Bomb threat made to Methuen school, no danger to public, authorities say

Local news

While there is no immediate threat to the communities, authorities said, there will be an increased police presence at area schools on Monday.

Police responded to a bomb threat at a Methuen school Saturday, the Methuen Police Department said in a statement statement.

Federal authorities changed Methuen police that someone had made a post on social media threatening to bomb the Donald P. Timony Grammar School, the statement said. Police “immediately” notified Methuen Public School officials and began an investigation.

Officers found a Timony School student making threats, the department said.

“It was determined that the student does not have the means or ability to carry out such a threat,” the statement said. Police said they also searched the suspect’s home and found nothing “suspicious.”

Methuen police swept the school according to procedure and “out of an abundance of caution,” the statement said. Police said this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to nearby schools.

While an investigation is ongoing, Methuen police announced that there will be an extra patrol at all schools on Monday. The authorities have not brought charges, the statement said.

“Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning,” said Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara. “We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our children and our community.”