Harvard University evacuates four buildings after bomb threat

Harvard University has evacuated four buildings after an unconfirmed bomb threat.

The prestigious university, in Massachusetts in the north eastern United States, has evacuated three classrooms and one dormitory.

The Ivy League institution has evacuated its Science Center, Sever Hall (pictured) and Emerson Hall, as well as Thayer Hall dormitory, according to Reuters and the university’s website.

At 12:52pm local time (around 17.52 GMT), a message on the university’s homepage was posted:

“As most of you are now aware, we received an unconfirmed bomb threat affecting the Science Center, as well as Sever, Emerson and Thayer Halls on the Cambridge campus. The buildings have been evacuated and law enforcement officials are on scene. Entry to the Yard is restricted. We will provide updates as soon as we have additional information.”

It was followed by a message at 1.13pm, which read:

“The four buildings are being searched. We expect this process will likely take several hours. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.”

The unconfirmed report comes three days after Islamic extremists killed upwards of 130 people in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris.

Earlier on Monday a video from ISIL threatened further attacks on cities including the US capital Washington DC.