2 students arrested for uttering threats that shut down several Comox Valley high schools

Two students have been arrested for uttering threats that led to the shutdown of three high schools in the ComoxValley on Thursday.

Police say the students, who haven't been identified, were released into the care of their parents.

Classes were cancelled atMark R.Isfeld, G.P.Vanierand Highland secondary schools, after the RCMPcontacted district officials warning of the threat.

The RCMP hasn't released any details about what the students were threatening to do.

The school district says all schools will be open tomorrow.

All provincial secondary school exams scheduled for Thursday will be administered Friday.

• Read the full SD71statement on the reopening of schools here

"We have a system in place to deal with matters such as this. This incident was able to show that the system works," said Const. Rob Gardnerwith the Comox Valley RCMP.

The closure impacted approximately 3,000 students and staff in the district.

Earlier, astatement from School District 71 saidRCMPtold staff"there are indications one of its secondary schools is not safe" around 6 a.m. PT and began notifying families around 7 a.m. PT.

It saidthe decision to close wasbased on "a thorough investigation" with police and staff.

All elementary schools in the district were in "hold andsecure," which means all entrance doors were locked and no one was allowed in or out of the building aside from law enforcement. Itis used in response to security threats or criminal activity outside the school.

"The safety of our students and staff, and the safety of parents and families comesfirst," the notice said. "Whenever there is any evidence that indicate otherwise, we will act fast and make decision quickly to ensure no one is put in harm's way.

• Read the fullSD71statement here

"Anytime the RCMPreceives information like this, it's taken very seriously and will be investigated until deemed not credible,"Const. Rob Gardner saidjust before 11 a.m. PT.

Miracle Beach,DenmanandHornbyIsland schools were not affected by the closures.

With files from Emily Brass