BREAKING: Suspicious package at Limerick school being treated as a 'hoax'

A SUSPICIOUS package discovered at a Limerick school this Thursday was a "hoax anthrax attack", Limerick Live has learned.

A full-scale emergency response involving Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, An Garda Siochana, Limerick Fire and Rescue Service and National Ambulance Service was put in place this afternoon.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Emergency services respond to major incident at Limerick school

The package, believed to contain white powder, was discovered in Castletroy College on the outskirts of Limerick city. It was immediately reported to emergency services and treated with the utmost gravity.

One line of enquiry pursued was that it was an an anthrax attack. However, further investigations revealed it was not a threat to staff or students and was a "hoax".

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has issued a statement to Limerick Live confirming that an incident occurred earlier today at one of their community colleges involving a reported security alert.

“In line with established protocols and Department of Education guidelines, all appropriate safety measures were immediately implemented. An Garda Síochána were contacted and are currently on site conducting a full investigation,” said a spokesperson for the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board," said a spokesperson.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Suspicious ‘package’ discovered at Limerick school

As a precautionary measure, all students left the school as advised and were guided by staff with parents and guardians advised accordingly, they said. 

“The safety and wellbeing of our school communities is always our highest priority, and we are working closely with An Garda Síochána and relevant authorities as the matter is being investigated.

“We will continue to follow the advice of the authorities and provide updates as appropriate. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will not be making any further comment at this time,” said the spokesperson.