A scary afternoon for parents, students, and residents of a west-end Moncton neighbourhood.

RCMP and Moncton Fire responded to an area near Bessborough School at around noon on Wednesday.

Several residents on social media reported hearing what sounded like an explosion, but there has been no confirmation from the RCMP yet.

Photos show the playground by the school has been marked with yellow tape.

At 12:30 p.m., a social media post from RCMP said that officers were on the scene of a police operation and the public was asked to avoid the area to allow police to do their work.

“At this time, the situation does not meet the criteria for an Alert Ready Message and there is no risk to public safety,” the post said.

A letter from the Anglophone East School District was sent to parents, advising them of the situation.  It stated Bessborough and Hillcrest Schools were both placed under lockdown due to an emergency situation in the neighbourhood.  Bernice MacNaughton High School was also placed under a Hold and secure.

 

Image: Submitted by Anglophone East School District

A further tweet was sent by RCMP New Brunswick at 1 pm, stating the police operation had concluded and police had determined that there was nothing criminal in nature that took place.

The #RCMPNB police operation in the Bessborough Street area of #Moncton has now concluded, and police have determined that there was nothing criminal in nature that took place. The RCMP would like to thank the public for their cooperation. pic.twitter.com/5Yxjrw6Xte

— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) May 15, 2024

We have messages to the RCMP and the Moncton Fire Department for further details.