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Police investigating after social media threats target local schools

Posted at 9:27 AM, Feb 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-19 09:28:46-05

NORFOLK, Va. - Police are investigating several threats made towards local schools over the weekend.

A concerned parent sent a screen shot of an Instagram post to News 3 of a threat towards Lake Taylor Middle School. It looks similar to a social media threat targeting Southampton High School.

There was also a threat made to Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City late Saturday evening.  Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools made law enforcement aware of the situation and as a result the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office investigated the threat and carried out a threat assessment. The threat assessment led officials to believe that the student wouldn’t have been able carry out the threat that was made.

(Photo: News 3 viewer)

Threats were also circulated via social media to Bethel High School and Kecoughtan High School. After an investigation, police say there is no information that makes the treats credible. However, police say there will be an increase in security at both schools as a precautionary measure.

"We encourage all parents to talk with their children regarding the proper utilization of social media as well monitoring their children’s social media usage for accountability purposes," Hampton Police said.

Click here for full coverage on local schools receiving social media threats.

Suffolk Police said it had received multiple phone calls from concerned parents regarding to Facebook and Instagram posts about possible threats directed at Nansemond River High School and Lakeland High School.  They said the department's Criminal Investigations Unit is actively investigating these threats and that additional resources and staffing will be added to the schools if needed. Authorities also said the appropriate charges will be sought.

Threats were also made to Gates County schools. All five Gates County Schools were placed on lock down Monday morning after officials discovered a threat made on social media, according to the superintendent's assistant.

The schools were placed on lock down from 10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. There will be additional police present as a precaution.

All five Gates County Schools were placed on lock down Monday morning after officials discovered a threat made on social media, according to the superintendent's assistant. The schools were placed on lock down from 10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. There will be additional police present as a precaution. Gates County Schools Superintendent Barry Williams immediately alerted the sheriff's office when he found out about the threat.