'It feels like a ghost town': Police presence at CCH after alleged threats made in graffiti
There was a police presence at Catholic Central Secondary School (CCH) in downtown London, Ont. Friday after an alleged threat was discovered on a bathroom wall.
Students described the school atmosphere as “eerie,” including grade 12 students Maddy Trottier and Camila Tsun-Rubio.
“It feels like a ghost town, like there’s almost no-one there, you kind of just feel like...I don’t know, it feels strange,” explained Tsun-Rubio.
“Yes, very creepy,” added Trottier.
Police were brought in after graffiti was discovered in a washroom Tuesday and Wednesday, indicating an alleged threat to students and staff that was to take place on Friday. London Police Service Const. Sandasha Bough told CTV News London officers were stationed at CCH for the entire school day.
“The threat was made by way of property damage, and we can say that there has been an increased police presence in and around the school throughout the day,” said Bough.
Students appeared to be taking the threat as seriously as anyone.
“Kind of an attitude of a semi-lockdown,” said grade 12 student James Bell. “You know, we’re not allowed to go to the bathroom, we’re stuck in class,” he added.
“I think you always have to take it a bit seriously, even if it’s, you know, not likely,” said grade 13 student Brandon Wood.
A security guard is seen letting students inside an entrance at Catholic Central Secondary School in London, Ont. on Nov. 25, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
In a letter to families and staff, CCH principal said, in part:
“Please know we take these threats very seriously and involve the police immediately. We also hope that if you are hearing anything from your child regarding this incident or any other that may compromise the safety of students and staff, please contact administration.”
It added, “I would ask that families refrain from speculation or circulating rumors, especially those that may appear online.”
According to the London District Catholic School Board, about half of the students at CCH were absent Friday. However, a spokesperson added that the board does not keep track of the reasons why students are not at school.
This threat follows a number of similar incidents at schools throughout the region this year, including this past September when the Catholic Board was forced to close two high schools because of an alleged bomb threat.
Professor in the faculty of education at Western University, and a former public school board education director, Bill Tucker said there’s a parallel between the increase in school threats and mental health issues.
“There just seems to be a gap there in terms of students’ ability to resolve conflict appropriately,” said Tucker. “That kind of approach has to start right from junior kindergarten, all the way up through to secondary school. It has to be all these different interchangeable strategies to deal with mental health and behaviour issues.”
Police did not reveal the nature of the threat. Their investigation is ongoing.
In the meantime, grade 12 student Aaryan Hossain said he can’t believe what’s happening.
“It just seems not normal,” he said. “It’s shocking really. I don’t know how to react to it, you know.”
The incident comes days after a stabbing incident at H.B. Beal Secondary School.
— With files from CTV News London's Kristylee Varley
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.