University of New South Wales liaising with anti-terrorism officers

The University of New South Wales is liaising with anti-terrorism officers following a security threat made against its Kensington campus on social media.

"UNSW has been made aware of a threat to the safety of staff and students on the Kensington campus," a statement posted on the university's Facebook page said.

"We are treating this incident seriously and have been liaising with the NSW Police through the anti-terrorism and security group and Local Area Command."

"Police are advising this is a general, not a specific or direct threat."

Police have confirmed they are investigating comments made on social media regarding the university in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

"Police are working with the university regarding this matter, and will be at the facility throughout the day," a statement said.

A disturbing threat was posted by an anonymous user on 4chan on Sunday, said; “I finally managed to get a handgun. Australians, if you study at UNSW don’t go in tomorrow."

A university spokesman told AAP that the Kensington campus had received a threat on the online bulletin board early on Monday morning.

An anonymous message posted on 4chan last week, appeared to warn students about the deadly Oregon college shooting.

The message, which was said to have been posted on 4chan the night before the attack at Umpqua Community College, warned students to avoid going to school the following day.

"Some of you guys are alright," the message began.

"Don't go to school tomorrow if you are in the northwest. Happening thread will be posted tomorrow morning, so long space robots."

Classes are still continuing at UNSW and staff and students have been advised that they will be updated when more information is available.

"The campus has not been evacuated at this stage and classes are continuing as normal, but those who would prefer to leave campus will not be penalised," read a second statement posted on the UNSW Facebook page.

"We will update staff and students when more information comes to hand."

The university earlier made a post to social media encouraging students to download their StaySafe security app, which provides updates on campus security alerts.

They also reminded students to "remain vigilant about security and report any suspicious individuals or activities, incidents or crime in progress to UNSW Security Services," in a message emailed out to students and posted on social media.

A student from UNSW posted on Facebook: "It's a scary thought that one can't even walk through uni or to the coffee shop or anywhere without the fear of this".

Anyone with information is being urged to come forward and speak to police.

Morning news break – October 12