Story Discussion Prompts Police Investigation At Danvers School

DANVERS, MA -- A discussion by students about a story centered on a school shooting at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School prompted someone to send a tip to Danvers Police. That tip led to an investigation by police over the weekend and assurances from school officials that there was no threat to students or staff at the school.

The story had been posted several months ago on Wattpad, an online forum for short fiction. The story was about a hero in a school shooting, but there were no references to a specific school shooting or even a specific school. Regardless, police launched a joint-investigation into the threat, and school officials said there would be an increased presence on the school's campus this week.

"We do not see a threat to Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School at this time," Superintendent Heidi T. Riccio and Principal Shannon Donnelly said in an email to parents and students. "To reassure parents, students, and staff, there will be increased police presence over the next few days. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to reach out to us as the need arises."

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).