Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex Police Investigating Rumored Threat Made against School via Social Media

No Credible Threat Made Against Schools

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Interim Manchester Police Chief Todd Fitzgerald and Essex Police Chief Paul Francis report that their respective police departments took immediate action and investigated a rumored threat made against Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School via social media.

The investigation has determined that no actual or credible threats have been made and that there is no danger to the school district.

On Thursday evening, police received a report that a threatening post was made via Snapchat, allegedly by a Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School student. Multiple students were interviewed, and police have determined that a personal dispute between two male students apparently spilled over onto social media, however there is no threat to the greater school system.

The police departments will collect their findings and forward all pertinent information to the Manchester Essex Regional School District for possible disciplinary follow-up at the school-level.

The school district has cooperated fully with the police investigation.

Out of an abundance of caution,the school district has requested and families may notice an increased police presence at the Middle High School on Friday.

Both police departments and the school district take safety of students and staff very seriously.

“We take all threats and rumored threats very seriously,” Chief Fitzgerald said. “This situation appears to be limited to a dispute between two students, and while we are thankful that it appears as though no threat exists to the schools, we will work with all parties and the school district to ensure everyone understands the law and school policy as it relates to how we should treat one another.”

Any resident with questions or concerns may call the Manchester-by-the Sea (978-526-1212) or Essex (978-768-6628) Police Departments anytime.

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