The courthouse in Victoria was evacuated for a bomb threat shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The BC Sheriffs Service called the Victoria Police Department after they received a call at 3:45 p.m. saying a bomb would explode in the courthouse in 20 minutes.
The sheriffs promptly evacuated and locked down the courthouse. Eight prisoners that were in custody at the courthouse had to be evacuated and transported to Victoria police cells.
VicPD closed the surrounding streets and brought in two K9 units to sweep the building.
Lawyers, judges and jury members, some wrapped in blankets offered to fend off the cool fall air, were waiting on the sidewalks and congregated on the lawn of neighbouring Christ Church Cathedral.
A @VicPDK9 just hopped back into a police vehicle outside the evacuted courthouse. @VictoriaNews #yyj #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/w9CdImw3me
— Keri Coles (@KeriColesPhotog) November 7, 2018
After a thorough sweep of the courthouse, nothing suspicious was found.
“It was a male voice on the call but I don’t have any further details at this point, that part is still under investigation. We have a few leads,” said Acting Sgt. Mike Darling.
Police said members cleared the building at approximately 5:30 p.m.
VicPD confirm the Victoria courthouse is evacuated due to a report of a bomb threat. @VicPDK9 are sweeping the building now. #yyjtraffic in the area is disrupted. More to come. #yyj #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/1NmqpqFa3G
— Keri Coles (@KeriColesPhotog) November 7, 2018
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