University campus on lockdown for SIX HOURS after reports of masked man with gun
THE University of Toronto was placed on lockdown after reports of a suspicious masked man on campus armed with a rifle sparked a six hour police search today.
University of Toronto has been put on lockdown after reports a gunman was on campus
Police were called by security officials to Trinity Campus just after 9am local time following reports of a masked man dressed in black carrying a gun.
Buildings across the campus and hospitals were placed on lockdown for six hours before police announced the area was clear and there was "no threat to public safety".
Police searched university buildings and the surrounding area, including two nearby hospitals, were closed off.
Toronto Police said they recieved a call about a suspicious man dressed in black and carrying a black rucksack and wearing “what looked like a surgical mask.”
Swat and officers with large guns drawn on Avenue Road outside UofT and the ROM right now. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/WjjxRZpH3w
— Saint Camila (@camilacore) June 13, 2016
I think I speak for many of us when I say that this has been a distressing day, but I am relieved at the outcome
The man was allegedly seen at the university's St George campus.
A second call claimed the man was holding a gun.
Staff and students were advised to stay inside as armed police searched the campus.
University Of Toronto President, Meric Gertler said: "On behalf of the University I want to talk all members of the community- students, faculty and staff- who responded calmly and quickly to the event on our St George campus.
"I also want to extend out thanks to Toronto Police Service and our campus community police for their fast action and for the care they took to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.
“I think I speak for many of us when I say that this has been a distressing day, but I am relieved at the outcome.”
Chief Mark Saunders said a man unrelated to the incident has been arrested
During the search, Chief Mark Saunders, from Toronto Police, said: “We’re still in process of clearing three locations looking for report of male dressed in all black with a backpack and mask."
Police arrested one man at the scene but officers insist he was not related to the call and was wanted on another matter.
Chief Saunders added: "The person being investigated by Toronto Police near Queen's Park is not related to the call for suspicious man at the University of Toronto."
Hospitals near the university, including Sick Kids Hospital and Women’s College Hospital, were also put on lockdown.
Buildings in the area of Queen’s Park between Bloor Street and Hoskin Avenue were closed until 3pm local time.
For those in the area of #UofT lockdown, please don’t post photos of police locations. We need to do our job safely and efficiently.
— Jeff Bangild (@JeffBangild) June 13, 2016
Lockdown at SickKids due to ongoing situation at #UofT. Entrance & exit to emergency dept closed by roll-up gates. pic.twitter.com/TNus8wilPI
— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) June 13, 2016
.@TorontoPolice have confirmed an all-clear. We have been advised that regular operations can now proceed. All buildings open. #UofT
— UniversityofToronto (@UofT) June 13, 2016
Police asked social media users not to post photos of police activity online during the search.
Detective Jeff Bangild said: “Please don’t post photos of police locations. We need to do our job safely and efficiently.
“There have not been any reports of any injuries at this time. One person is in custody but searching continues. Be safe.”
Police are on high alert following the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando on Saturday night.
This morning Pride Toronto met with members of Toronto Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and staff from the Prime Minister;s office to review security measures for the remainder of Pride month.