Nelson schools evacuated after threats: Police set up cordons around Tipahi St, say risk not genuine

Threats have been made to several schools in Nelson this morning, forcing one to evacuate students to a nearby sports field.

A police spokesman said an email “of a concerning nature” was sent to a number of schools.

“Several premises have been evacuated as a precaution,” the spokesman said.

Cordons have been set up, police said. Their spokesman said police did not believe there was a genuine risk from the theats.

Nelson Intermediate School said it had closed school for the day and bundled its students out to Broad Fields nearby, from where parents would be able to collect them.

“Everyone is safe and happy but could you please come and collect your children from the Broads Fields on Tipahi Street, opposite the hospital as soon as possible,” the school said.

Officers were also seen outside Victory Primary School on Vanguard St and staff were spotted turning parents and pupils away just before 9am.

A business owner nearby told the Herald he could hear sirens blaring from nearby, but he could not pinpoint where the sound was coming from.

Fire and Emergency NZ told the Herald to inquire with police.

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