Bomb threat prompts evacuation in UCLA

Los Angeles, July 13 (IANS) A bomb threat at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) prompted evacuation of its dorm residents, authorities said.

A UCLA Bruin Alert -- the campus emergency notification system -- was issued at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday night, telling the university community about the bomb threat at Sunset Canyon Recreation Centre, reports The Los Angeles Times.

The university evacuated three residence halls in Westwood after receiving the threat via telephone, said Brian Haas, a UCLA spokesman.

Large crowds of students evacuating the dorms gathered at Drake Stadium. Another message advised students to stay indoors unless otherwise instructed.

"This is really precautionary at this point," Haas told The Los Angeles Times.

About 30 minutes after the first alert, a second notice was issued stating that the "situation is still active".

At about 11.30 p.m., UCLA's press office said in a statement: "All evacuees are safe and secure. Police are continuing to investigate."

The incident comes hours after the conclusion of the first orientation programme for new UCLA students. The next three-day orientation programme is scheduled to begin on July 19, according to the university's website.

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