(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
For the third time this week a local school was targeted by a “swatting” incident.
On Friday, April 17, 2026 a bomb threat was called into St. Mary School on Birchwood Trail at approximately 11 a.m.
Cobourg Police along with Cobourg Fire Department and Northumberland County Paramedics attended the incident.
While Cobourg Police entered the school, Cobourg Fire Department and Northumberland County Paramedics remained on stand-by a short distance again.
As Friday was a Professional Activity Day there were no students present in the building.
An e-mail sent to parents and guardians station that staff who were on-site for professional development “were immediately relocated to a safe area outside the school while Cobourg Police Service searched the building.”
Police confirmed later they believed it was another incident of “swatting,” which is a false report intended to trigger a emergency response.
The Catholic School Board stated, “We are working closely with the Cobourg Police Service as they continue their investigation into the source of these calls. We look forward to welcoming students back to class on Monday morning.”
St. Mary School was the target of a swatting incident on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Students were kept inside for approximately 45-minutes after a bomb threat. They were then evacuated and walked to the Cobourg Community Centre.
On Tuesday, another swatting incident took place at CR Gummow Public School in Cobourg as an active shooter was reported at the school.
The school was placed in an immediate lockdown. Police cleared the school and believe the swatting incidents were from a overseas phone.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue efforts to identify the caller. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Breaking News – Video – Photo Gallery – Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation at Cobourg High School
Chair of Cobourg Police Services Board Issues Statement Regarding “Swatting” Incidents
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
