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UPDATE: Westgate closed after online threat

With the threat unresolved, the decision was made to close the school for the safety of students and staff.
Westgate Police 3
Police are investigating a threat allegedly made on social media at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com/FILE)

THUNDER BAY -- A threat made against Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute on social media has not been resolved by police, so the south-side school will be closed on Friday.

Board officials say students already en route to class on buses will be returned home. Students without keys will be dropped off at Westmount Public School.

"All efforts will be made to re-open the school on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Police continue to actively investigate the threat," said Lakehead Public Schools communications officer Bruce Nugent in a release issued early Friday morning.

The Snapchat threat, emblazoned over a picture of a rifle, says: "Better watch out Westgate your school is going to be next."

Another screenshot, posted to a Thunder Bay Facebook group, states a group of kids are planning to shoot up the school on Friday and have "a hit list of people they want to kill."

Police, in a release issued on Friday morning, said the complaint was immediately handed over to their major crimes section and officers continue to investigate. 

This is the second threat made against Westgate this school year.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their investigation is asked to contact them at 684-1200, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
 

This story has been updated to include comment from Thunder Bay Police.



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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