Detectives investigating last week’s bomb threat at Stawell Secondary College have a suspect in mind. 

Northern Grampians Acting Inspector Brendan Broadbent said the Ararat Crime Investigation Unit “certainly” had a suspect and were following up on inquiries. 

Two emails sent to the school’s main address claimed an explosive device planted on the school grounds would detonate at 2pm on Thursday. 

The first email was received at 12.40pm and a second followed at 1.36pm.

Students and staff were forced to evacuate into the science wing until detectives deemed the area safe. 

Acting Inspector Brendan Broadbent could confirm the threat was a hoax.

“We are now satisfied that it was not a true threat and there was never an explosive device planted on the school grounds,” he said.

“I would like to praise the principal on the moves he put into place in evacuating all students and staff.

“He initiated the plan and it was the correct procedure in the circumstances.”

School principal Nick Lynch said their routine had returned back to normal after the bomb scare. 

“Staff, students and parents are working hard to getting things back to normal and that has been really positive,” he said. 

“We are continuing on with the learning and that is what staff and students are doing.”