Grange Hill schools close amid threats of violence

 

Radio Jamaica News was informed that parents at the Grange Hill Primary School in Westmoreland rushed to pick up their children Tuesday morning after receiving threats of violence via Whatsapp messaging.

 

As a result, the primary school, as well as Grange Hill High School have been closed for the day.

 

Principal of Grange Hill Primary Clayton Smith says fearful parents descended on the school sometime between 8 and 9 Tuesday morning to collect their children. 

 

"Well the threat was, according to what I was told, is that gunmen are gonna come and shoot up the school. I can't say for what reason because I have no idea. I was here until late last evening and I didn't hear any such thing. But I know that there is a spate of violence within the community over the weekend. [I] don't know what is the cause of that either," he admitted.    

 

The principal said by 9 o'clock, the majority of the more than 700 students enrolled had been picked up and a decision was taken to close the school.

 

Police officers are maintaining a presence at the primary school.

 

Meanwhile, two motor vehicles were sprayed with bullets in Grange Hill on Tuesday morning.

 

Tension has been high following five murders in the community over the last 48 hours.

 

The police have reportedly expressed surprise at the latest incident in Grange Hill as a curfew was imposed Monday.