Toronto police detonated a pair of suspicious packages found at Bennington Heights Elementary School Wednesday morning before declaring the scene safe.

The first package, a black suitcase, was discovered by school staff shortly before 10 a.m.

"There was a note on top of it that indicated there was a bomb inside," said Insp. Jim Gotell from the scene, near Moore Avenue and Bayview Avenue.

The item was later detonated by a police robot. Investigators said it did not contain any explosives.

"Whoever did this, we believe meant it as a joke, or to disrupt the school," Godell added.

Police have not identified a suspect, but investigators are now examining surveillance footage and searching for forensic clues on the packages.

During the investigation, the school and the Bennington Heights Child Care Centre were both evacuated.

The Toronto District School Board said around 200 students were affected. They did not return to class.