Urgent response at Sydney school ensures student safety
Bonnyrigg High School in Sydney’s west experienced a dramatic and swift evacuation on Wednesday morning after receiving a threatening email. The Bonnyrigg High School evacuation took place around 11:15 am, prompting a full lockdown and emergency response involving police and Fire and Rescue NSW.
Situation in Bonnyrigg High School [Credit: 7News]
Police respond to email threat
A NSW Department of Education spokesperson confirmed that police responded quickly to the threat made via email. “Police were called to Bonnyrigg High School after the school received a threatening email this morning,” the department told 7NEWS.com.au.
The Bonnyrigg High School principal, Reece Hooke, later issued a statement outlining the school’s response. “At approximately 11.15 this morning, the school received information that required the activation of our evacuation plan and the calling of police,” he said.
All students and staff followed the emergency procedures, evacuating the buildings and assembling in designated safe zones. “All students and staff moved in an orderly way to the designated evacuation areas,” Hooke added.
Parents have been told not to get in touch with the child or the school. [Credit: 7NEWS]
Students evacuated, parents urged not to contact
During the Bonnyrigg High School evacuation, the school urged parents not to attempt to contact their children or the school directly. “Please be advised the school is currently being evacuated,” the school stated in a post on social media. “Please do not contact the school or your child. We will advise shortly.”
This guidance was repeated throughout the evacuation to ensure emergency services could work without disruption and all students remained accounted for.
Emergency services on scene
Fire and Rescue NSW and multiple police units attended the scene. Chopper footage from the scene showed students gathered on the school oval, with fire trucks and police vehicles parked outside the school grounds.
Fire and Rescue NSW clarified their involvement, saying they had been called to assist with an unrelated report of dogs possibly loose in the area. “FRNSW has been asked to assist with possible dogs on the loose in the area at a sports carnival,” a spokesperson said, although they later confirmed that no dogs were found and no injuries occurred.
A fire truck and several police vehicles were spotted stationed outside the school grounds. [Credit: 7NEWS]
All-clear given by police
By 12:50 pm, police had completed their checks and gave the school clearance to resume normal operations. “After they searched the premises, police determined it was appropriate to resume normal school operations at approximately 12.50pm,” Hooke said in his update to parents and guardians.
Authorities did not find any evidence of danger and confirmed there were no injuries or harmful items discovered on the school premises.
Threat believed to be a hoax
While police have not officially confirmed the nature of the threat, multiple sources, including the Daily Mail, have reported that Bonnyrigg High School received a bomb threat via email. A NSW Police spokesperson told SkyNews.com.au the threat was “unspecified” but serious enough for the school to initiate its lockdown protocols.
Some members of the local community speculated that the incident may have been a hoax. One parent reportedly said, “My daughter messaged me. Someone did a bomb prank on the school.”
Community reacts with concern
Social media posts from the Western Sydney community flooded in throughout the day. Many people expressed concern and relief that no one was harmed. “Hope they are all safe and okay,” one person commented on a local Facebook group. Another added, “Gosh, it isn’t sounding good at all. Really hope the students and staff are okay.”
Authorities commend school’s response
The NSW Department of Education assured families that all students and staff remained safe throughout the Bonnyrigg High School evacuation. “Students and teachers at the school are safe and all supports are in place,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Principal Hooke praised the conduct of staff and students during the incident. “Everyone responded calmly and appropriately. Our highest priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff.”
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Looking ahead
Authorities have not released further details about the investigation into the threatening email. The school remains under normal operations, but officials may increase vigilance in the coming days.
This incident at Bonnyrigg High School highlights the need for strong emergency protocols in schools and the importance of clear communication during crisis situations. Thankfully, the swift action by staff, students, and emergency services ensured the safety of everyone involved.
