Portsmouth Westhaven Elementary School under lockdown after students report threat

Kenzie Finch

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Portsmouth Westhaven Elementary school was placed under lockdown briefly on Wednesday.

In a message sent out to families, the school informed parents that six-graders reported hearing a man making threats while they were outside for recess.

The message read as follows:

Good afternoon, Westhaven families –

Please be advised that we just briefly placed our school on an outside and classroom hold. This action was taken out of an abundance of caution after several of our fifth- and sixth-graders reported hearing a man threatening violence against our school while they were outside for recess. We immediately contacted law enforcement and activated our holds, which did keep anyone from entering or exiting the school building. We were quickly given the all clear by law enforcement, and dismissal will continue without interruption. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please feel free to call our main office. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support of Westhaven Elementary.

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