Online threats made to southeast Queensland schools

AN ONLINE post referencing the Columbine High School shooting in the US was behind threats made to schools north of Brisbane.

Police at North Lakes State College said schools would operate normally after threatening internet posts were made. Picture: Annette Dew

POLICE say a bomb threat that forced a North Lakes office building to be evacuated on Monday was not related to online threats against a nearby school.

The North Lakes Central building on Endeavour Boulevard was evacuated just before noon after the bomb threat was made.

At least 50 people were ordered to leave the building for about 29 minutes. The building is within 1km of North Lakes State College, one of several schools that sent letters to parents after online threats were made over the weekend.

A post referencing the Columbine High School shooting in the US was behind online threats made to the schools.

The online post behind the threats.

The Courier-Mail earlier revealed it was a post on an online bulletin board called 4chan that put the Department of Education on alert.

The post featured two images of teenagers involved in the Columbine High School shooting in the US along with the words: “Don’t come to school next week”.

“A school in North Lakes QLD is going to get professionally shot up with as many casualties as possible,” the post read.

“Every d**khead gets their day.

“This will be bigger than both Parkland and Columbine combined I promise.”

The post said: “Regards, expertly trained professional school shooter”, and was published anonymously.

Police at North Lakes State College. Parents of children at the school received a letter telling them online threats had been made. Picture: Annette Dew

Specialist police are involved in the investigation and response to the threats.

Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Stream said police were alerted to the posts yesterday by administrators of the websites.

He said two threats were made online, which were similar.

“We take all threats of this type very, very seriously and obviously public safety and in this case the safety of students and staff at those schools,” he said.

Chief Supt Stream said there was no additional information which related to a credible threat or any information that related to a specific person or group.

Police were working with service providers to try to establish who made the threats, he said.

Chief Supt Stream said there was increased police activity around the schools, with officers seen patrolling grounds this morning.

“We have a number of overt and other operations coupled with the investigation currently being conducted,” he said.

Chief Supt Stream police would maintain a presence at the schools as it continued to investigate the threats.

He said students were safe to attend schools.

Chief Supt Stream urged the public to notify police if they became aware of any other threats.

When asked how often police receive similar type threats in the region every year he said it was “not a common thing to occur”.

Many parents decided to keep their children home until it was made clear what threats were made.

As reported by The Courier-Mail last night, parents and carers of children at the schools were put on alert after receiving letters from the Department of Education informing them online threats were made.

A police officer patrols North Lakes State College this morning. Picture: Annette Dew

Some parents took to Facebook to express their concerns, while others said they would be keeping their children out of school until the matter was made clearer, with several telling The Courier-Mail of their frustration over the lack of information and “vague” letters sent from schools over the weekend.

“The emails were very vague. More information would be good,” wrote one on Facebook.

“I totally understand the parents and carers concerns. It’s obviously serious enough for them to be sent a vague letter. Stay vigilant, stay safe,” wrote another.

In the letter, the Department of Education said it was working with Queensland Police to investigate the threat but that there had been no specific reference to any particular school or schools.

Parents from The Lakes College reported receiving the letter.

“While there is at present, no credibility to any specific threat, QPS are asking the community to remain alert and if any member of the public has any information that can help police they should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” the email read.

“The safety of your children will remain our priority and while we will continue to maintain normal routines and timetables, we will continue to take advice from authorities in this matter.”

A screen shot of the letter sent to North Lakes College and other schools in the North Lakes area.

The Courier-Mail was late on Sunday night sent screen shots of two emails containing information about the threats addressed to parents and carers at North Lakes State College and Dakabin State School.

The Queensland Police Service confirmed they were investigating but said schools were operating normally and said the threats contained “non-specific threatening language”.

“The Queensland Police Service can confirm the Department of Education were advised that QPS had identified internet posts that contained non-specific threatening language with reference to schools in the North Lakes area,” the statement read.

“The QPS is liaising with the Department of Education as the matter continues to be investigated.

Parents of children at St Benedict's College, Mango Hill, have also reported receiving the letter. Picture: Alan Quinney

“Anyone with any information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact police.

“As the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.

“The Department of Education has advised QPS that all schools will be operating normally.”

Officers were seen patrolling schools this morning including North Lakes State College and the Lakes College.

Kids Helpline Service have advised any children experiencing anxiety since recent threats made to north Brisbane schools to reach out to their loved ones.

The service has given The Courier-Mail advice for parents, teachers and carers helping people affected with anxiety from the threats.

Kids Helpline said parents should:

● Be there. Let them know that it’s OK and normal to be concerned and worried about this e.g. “Yes, it’s worrying isn’t it?”

● Have a discussion about what the threat has been and help them process the threat, the higher level of security at school, and encourage them to talk about the safety processes at school.

● Stick to your normal daily routine. Kids draw a deal of comfort and safety around routine and consistency. Ensure they continue to socialise with friends. Ensure they know the police and teachers are keeping a closer eye on them to ensure their safety.

● Hugs and comfort. Let them know they are loved and that they are safe; that any extra security and safety measures are precautionary.

● Look after you. Don’t forget to look after you and acknowledge your own heightened anxiety and levels of concern at this time. This can be a stressful time for everyone.

● Take advice from the police, the Department of Education, and teachers at the school in regards to your school’s individual level of risk and safety precautions within your own school.