Listowel District Secondary School was put in a lockdown after reports a threat was received around noon on Thursday.

The Avon Maitland District School Board says OPP were investigating after a threat was called in to the school.

Early Thursday afternoon the lockdown was de-escalated to a 'hold and secure' and that was lifted in time for students to board buses for home at the end of the school day.

Nearby Listowel Eastdale and Listowel Central elementary schools were also briefly in a ‘hold and secure’ position as a precaution, though no threats were made against the schools.

Police remained at all schools ahead of dismissal, which continued as normal at the end of the day.

“We took the necessary steps to ensure public safety,” said Staff Sgt. Joel Skelding of the Perth County OPP.

Police are investigating the incident, and criminal charges are possible.

“We’re looking to identify persons of interest to further that investigation,” Skelding said.

With files from CTV Kitchener