The Spul'u'kwuks Elementary School is located in the the affluent and primarily Asian community of Terra Nova in west Richmond. (CBC)

A student at an elementary school in Richmond's west side is likely the target of a possible kidnapping police have warned the public about, CBC News has learned.

Richmond RCMP issued the unusual warning Tuesday after receiving information that someone could be plotting to abduct an Asian student in the next several weeks.

Investigators have not said when or where they think the kidnapping might occur. They also haven't said how they got the information that prompted the warning.

CBC News learned on Wednesday that the school police think could be potentially targeted is Spul'u'kwuks Elementary at 5999 Blanshard Drive in the affluent and primarily Asian community of Terra Nova.

Some parents of the students attending Spul'u'kwuks said Wednesday they had been told the kidnap threat involving a six- or seven-year-old child.

'Please communicate with your children about the issue and suggest they pay extra attention to staying in groups and in the supervision of adults.'— Eric Yung, Richmond District Parents Association

Security was especially tight at the school on Wednesday, with all exterior doors locked during class time and the only way in or out through the main doors. Staff were patrolling the grounds during recess and lunch.

Richmond RCMP remained tight-lipped about the possible threat.

Cpl. Jennifer Pound said it is not the intention of the RCMP to instill fear with the warning.

"God forbid something happens after the fact and the police are sitting on the information. We would be doing a disservice if we were sitting on this information," she said Wednesday.

RCMP have also asked school staff to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

Extra patrol in schools

The Richmond School District has distributed letters and tip sheets to parents of all elementary school students, outlining how to keep their children safe.

A school guard at Spul'u'kwuks Elementary keeps a close watch over students Wednesday afternoon. (CBC)

The letter from the school district urges parents to be "extra vigilant, communicate with your children, and educate them on safety tips such as walking in groups and in well-lit, high-traffic areas … the RCMP also advises that children should yell, scream and do whatever they can do to get the attention of passers-by if approached by a stranger."

The letter suggested children walk to school with an adult and not another child.

One parent, who was dropping her children off at Manoah Steves Elementary School, said she wouldn't be changing her behaviour.

"We always walk our kids to school. We are careful regardless," said Krista Lof.

Several parents interviewed by CBC News near the school said they would reinforce what they have already told their children.

RCMP have also asked school staff to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

Eric Yung, president of the Richmond District Parents Association, sent an open letter Wednesday to concerned parents.

"We suggest that parents take prudent measures to be extra vigilant about how their children get to and from school," he said.

"Please communicate with your children about the issue and suggest they pay extra attention to staying in groups and in the supervision of adults.

"Considering the extra attention to school drop off and pickup, we recommend parents walk their children to school so that there not be an added safety risk."