PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Multiple schools across Kentucky including Floyd and Johnson counties were placed on alert Wednesday morning following a series of threats that authorities now believe are part of a broader hoax.

Officials say Betsy Layne Elementary was among the first impacted, receiving what was described as an unclear threat. The school was placed on lockdown while law enforcement responded. No weapon was found, and the lockdown was later lifted.

Floyd Central High School was also placed on lockdown after receiving a similar threat.

In Johnson County, police responded to a bomb threat at Johnson Central High School. It was reported that K-9 Units were going to do a sweep of the school since it was designated as a bomb threat.

Authorities say all students at the affected schools are safe.

Prestonsburg Police report the threats appear to be coming from spoofed, internet-based phone applications and may be part of “swatting” incidents. The department says dozens of officers responded within minutes to the initial call at Betsy Layne Elementary, and response procedures were followed as intended.

The police did want to reassure the public that all Floyd County Schools have a designated School Resource Officer on a full time basis. The SRO at Betsy Layne Elementary made the initial report according to PPD. 

Kentucky State Police confirmed similar threats have been reported across the Commonwealth. Investigators say none of the threats have been deemed credible so far, and early findings suggest they may be tied to a robocalling campaign.

Law enforcement agencies, including Prestonsburg Police, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police, are continuing to investigate. Officials say all threats are taken seriously and will be fully investigated.