Start time delayed at Morton East High School after threat

The start of the school day at Morton East High School in west suburban Cicero was delayed Monday morning after someone phoned in a threat to the school.

“The Morton East High School start has been delayed today as local law enforcement in conjunction with county officials address a potential safety threat,” a statement posted on the school’s website said. “Students will be in classes shortly and school will be in session the remainder of the day.”

Officials at the school received a phone call about 7:45 a.m. and the caller said, “Morton East is going to blow up,” according to a spokesman for the town of Cicero.

The school was closed as police searched the building with bomb-sniffing dogs for more than two hours, according to the statement. Nothing was found during the sweep and students were allowed to enter.

Police believe the call was a hoax.