Manchester Middle School closes Friday due to shooting threat

Chesterfield County, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Manchester Middle School in Chesterfield County announced that it would be closed on Friday, Sept. 6 due to a school shooting threat made in an online chat.

Officials said the decision to close was made “out of an abundance of caution” after police officers learned of the social media post referencing a school shooting.

Investigators say they have so far found no evidence that the threat is credible, but the probe is ongoing.

A message shared with the school community in the morning on Friday, Sept. 6 said closing would allow time for the investigation to be carried out.

“Closing the school today for students and staff will allow Chesterfield Police additional time to work on their investigation,” the school division said.

This threat comes just two days after the deadly shooting at Appalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Officials have not confirmed whether or not the threat made against Manchester Middle School is related.

County leaders said additional updates will be shared as they are received from the Chesterfield County Police Department.