Anonymous Threat Prompts Shelter-In-Place At Middlesex Middle School: Darien Superintendent

DARIEN, CT — A shelter-in-place order was implemented at Middlesex Middle School in Darien on Monday after an anonymous threat was received electronically, according to Darien Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne.

In an email to families Monday afternoon, Byrne said the school was immediately secured while the Darien Police Department inspected the building and campus. It was not immediately clear what the threat entailed.

Darien police noted they responded to MMS at approximately 12:52 p.m. Authorities secured the area and conducted a "thorough investigation" in coordination with school officials, police said.

"It was determined that the threat was not credible and that all students and staff are safe," Byrne wrote, noting similar electronic threats were received in "numerous school districts across the area" on Monday.

Central Middle School in Greenwich received a "swatting" call on Monday morning, according to a district spokesperson. Officials there said there is no known threat to the community.

Schools in Darien remain on a normal schedule, and the district is continuing to coordinate with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff.

There will be an additional police presence at MMS for the rest of the day.

Byrne thanked police, students and staff for their collective response to the incident.

An investigation is ongoing, according to police. Anyone with more information is urged to contact the Darien Police Department.