Three schools in Canada evacuated after threats

Thousands of students from three schools in Canada were evacuated today after receiving a number of threats.

Two schools in the Cole Harbour area were evacuated, and bomb-sniffing dogs were checking the buildings, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Staff Sgt Steen Merrick said.

A third high school was closed for the day in nearby Fall River.

A note warning of a bomb was found at one Cole Harbour school about mid-morning, and a phone threat was made to the other school nearby a short time later.

The third school received a weapons threat that was to take place against staff and students, and it did not open for classes today.

Given the tenor of the times, it was prudent to take the threats seriously, Halifax School Board spokesperson Shaune McKinley said.

Earlier this week, a 14-year-old student in the eastern Canadian province of New Brunswick was arrested after an explosive device was found in his school, prompting an evacuation.

The student was taken into custody but later released.

His identity was not released because he is a minor.

Police would not disclose the nature of the device, which was removed and detonated at a secure location.

Such incidents are relatively rare in Canada, which prides itself on being safer than its southern neighbour, the United States.