Abbotsford police, Langley RCMP, investigate online threat of violence at area schools

Abbotsford, B.C., police are investigating an online threat of violence at several schools on Monday.

Messages alleging a possible attack at high schools and the University of the Fraser Valley circulated on social media overnight.

Police said they are investigating the origin of the messages.

They also say they responded to a number of swatting calls over the weekend, when someone called 911 and falsely claimed violence was happening.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Abbotsford police said there is no information to suggest the threat is real and they believe the incident to be another swatting attempt.

In addition, Langley RCMP said its agency received multiple calls regarding an email circulating online that referenced threats of violence targeting schools and daycares in both Langley and Abbotsford.

The email, which appears to have been sent to various recipients, contains concerning language alleging potential acts of violence, Langley RCMP said.

We are closely working with the Abbotsford Police Department to thoroughly investigate these reported threats. At this time, there is no information to indicate that the threat is credible, Zynal Sharoom of the Langley RCMP said in a statement.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact their local police agency.

More to come.