Hold-and-secure lifted at two Lower Sackville schools after man seen with knife: RCMP

Hold-and-secures at two schools in Lower Sackville, N.S., have been lifted after a man was seen with a knife.

The RCMP says the man was seen near a school on Metropolitan Avenue just before 9 a.m. Thursday.

The force described him as wearing a dark hooded jacket, black pants, and carrying a backpack.

Police say he last seen with a woman who was wearing a bright pink shirt.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Leslie Thomas Junior High and Sackville High School are currently in a hold and secure. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as officers attempt to locate the man,” RCMP said in an earlier Facebook post.

When the hold-and-secures were initially put in place, Halifax Regional Centre for Education says all students and staff at the two schools were safe and learning was continuing.

In a letter to families, the principal of Leslie Thomas Junior High said the incident began after a tent was found on the school’s sports field.

“An individual inside emerged with a knife and chased a student before running into the woods,” Trina Canavan said.

Police are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of the man to call them at 902-490-5020.