Toy gun forces Langley middle school into lockdown

A toy gun forced students and staff at a Langley middle school to shelter in place for almost half an hour on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the school board says Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary was placed under a lockdown just before 1 p.m. “out of an abundance of caution,” after administrators received reports of a potential weapon on school grounds.

Police arrived on site shortly after, the school board says, and the lockdown was lifted 25 minutes later after it was discovered the weapon was a toy gun.

During the lockdown, the school board says staff and students gathered in secure rooms, the building was closed and lights were turned off.

The reason why the toy gun was at school in the first place is still under investigation.

The school board says families were kept up to date during the lockdown and the RCMP’s quick response was appreciated.

“As time was limited prior to dismissal, school counsellors and administrators did their best to debrief with all classes,” it stated.

Further support will be available to students as needed, the school board adds.