Bomb threat at Mount school

Police presence at St Thomas More Catholic School in Mount Maunganui after a bomb threat was received. Photo/George Novak

UPDATE: Parents have been asked by the school to come collect their children from Arataki Reserve via Zambuk Way.

EARLIER: Police are on scene at St Thomas More Catholic School in Mount Maunganui after a bomb threat was received.

A Bay of Plenty District Command Centre spokesman said the school had received a bomb threat and would probably be evacuated according to school's protocol.

He said students and staff were all safe, and police were working through the incident.

He advised parents and the public to stay clear of the area.

A national police press release issued just after midday said police were responding to a number of incidents where schools had "received calls which are of concern."

"Police staff are currently liaising with each school and are working with the leadership teams to determine the individual response at each school.

"The priority for police and the schools is to ensure the safety of students and staff.

"Police have well established procedures for dealing with such incidents and we are currently working through those procedures with each of the schools at the moment."

It said further information would be provided when available.