Jessica Bies

The News Journal

UPDATED: 4:10 P.M. MAY 25

Four Delaware schools received bomb threats on Wednesday prompting evacuations and police investigations.

The schools were located in both New Castle and Sussex counties.

Wilmington Manor Elementary School, part of the Colonial School District, received one of the first threats.

Just before 11 a.m. this morning the school, located at 200 E. Roosevelt Ave., New Castle, released the following statement on Facebook:

"Around 10:30 this morning, we received an automated bomb threat to our school. Police were immediately notified and students were evacuated to a safe location. We understand parents may wish to pick up their children, and due to safety precautions we will be happy to answer further questions if you call district office at 323-2700."

Later, the school released this update:

"Delaware State Police have thoroughly searched the building after an automated bomb threat that was called in this morning. The search found nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious. Students and staff are now permitted to re-enter the building. If parents wish to still pick up their children from school, please feel free to do so. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Redding Middle School, part of the Appoquinimink School District, called and emailed parents just before noon informing them the school had received a bomb threat at approximately 10:17. a.m. and was evacuated. At the time of the call, the school was being searched by police. Nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious was located and staff and students were allowed to resume their daily activities, according to state police.

The third incident occurred approximately 10:24 a.m. Wednesday morning, when a computer generated call was placed to the Shields Elementary School, located at 910 Shields Ave., Lewes, which advised that there was a bomb inside of the school, according to State Police. The school was evacuated and was then searched by Delaware State Police units and school administration. Once again nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious was located and staff and students were allowed to resume their daily activities, state police said.

A fourth call was placed to Central Middle School and is being investigated by the Dover Police Department.

It is unknown if Wednesday's bomb threats are related to the series of bomb threats which have occurred in February within the state or to the threats called in to area schools on May 23, State Police said.

Already this week, six other Delaware schools have received bomb threats.

STORY: Six Delaware schools hit with bomb threats

STORY: Wave of bomb threats hits schools nationwide

State police were notified at 11:09 a.m. Monday that an unknown man called East Millsboro Elementary School along Iron Branch Road and said there was a bomb in the school, Sgt. Richard Bratz said. Over the next half hour, another three calls – all involving an unknown male caller and the threat of a bomb on school property – were placed to Beacon Middle School in Lewes, Polytech High School in Woodside and Stanton Middle School in Stanton, he said.

Milford and Smyrna police departments also reported automated calls that involved a bomb threat made to Mispillion Elementary School and Sunnyside Elementary School earlier Monday morning.

In all situations, the schools were evacuated and the buildings were searched. Nothing out of the ordinary was reported in any cases, police said. The only school to dismiss early was the Polytech High School, Bratz said.

If anyone has any information in reference to any of the bomb threats which have occurred, they are asked to contact Troop 2 Youth Aid Division at 302-834-2620, Troop 3 Youth Aid Division at 302-697-4454, or Troop 4 Youth Aid Division at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."