Threat against New Westminster courthouse triggers evacuation

A threat against the courthouse in New Westminster triggered evacuations in the city’s downtown Tuesday morning, according to authorities.

A threat against the courthouse in New Westminster triggered evacuations in the city’s downtown Tuesday morning, according to authorities.

The New Westminster Police Department urged those in the area near the Carnarvon Street courthouse – including hundreds of students at nearby Douglas College – to leave immediately.

“Please leave for your own safety,” said NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “Find somewhere close to go. This is an unfolding situation so we’re asking for the public’s patience.”

He said police became aware of the threat around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Roads around the courthouse have been blocked off and a number of first responders are in the area including the heavily armed emergency response team, police dogs, paramedics and firefighters.

Speaking to CTV News, police did not specify the type of threat the courthouse received or where it originated.

“We can’t speak to the nature of the threat at this time but what we can say is we treat every threat as real and until we can determine otherwise, we will continue to investigate,” Leaver said.