Keysborough Islamic school Mt Hira College on police watch after ‘concerning’ email threat

Police are patrolling the grounds of an Islamic school in Keysborough after a threatening email on the first day of term put staff on high alert.

Mount Hira College in Keysborough received a threatening email at the weekend.

An Islamic school in Melbourne’s southeast has been forced to have a strong police presence around the college after receiving a threat.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said Mt Hira College in Keysborough received a threat via email over the weekend.

Students returned to school to begin Term 1 on Monday morning.

“Officers have spoken with the school and all staff have been encouraged to remain vigilant. At this time, we believe there is no immediate threat to public safety,” the spokeswoman said.

“Detectives will investigate the origins of the message and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“An increased police presence will be seen in the area.”

The Herald Sun has spoken to parents at the school who said the threat was “concerning”.

“This is the last thing we need on the first day of school. It’s concerning and takes away from the joy of the kids’ first day back,” one mother said.

“It’s a great school and it’s really disheartening that someone would make a threat against it.”

The school newsletter shows several activities and events planned for students’ first day back.

Mt Hira College has been contacted for comment.