Napier disorder: Schools out of lockdown after sighting of firearm

Police were called to Tait Dr, near the intersection of Spriggs Cres, about 2.15pm and have blocked off the road. Photo / NZME

Several suburban Napier schools were placed into lockdown for more than two hours on Thursday after a reported sighting of a firearm nearby.

Police were called to Tait Dr, near the intersection of Spriggs Cres, about 2.15pm, closing the road and triggering a wave of lockdowns at schools around the suburbs of Greenmeadows and Tamatea.

By 4.30pm, cordons gad been stood down and schools that had been asked to keep students inside were able to release them.

Police would be remaining in the area as they continue to investigate the initial disorder incident.

A police spokesperson said earlier officers were called to reports of disorder where it’s believed a weapon was seen.

“Police have asked a number of schools in the area to keep their pupils inside while they respond.

“The Armed Offenders Squad is assisting as a precaution. There are cordons in the area and locals are asked to respect these until the incident is resolved.”

‘Please keep away from the school until further notice’

Parkside Adventist Christian School said on its Facebook page at 2.30pm it was in lockdown “until further notice” before saying at 3.05pm it was out.

“All of our students are safe and happy.

“We will update when it is safe.

“Please keep away from the school until further notice. God bless.”

Cordons were put in place around the Greenmeadows area. Photo / NZME

Porritt School principal Maaka Papuni said on Facebook it was in lockdown.

“We have been advised by the MOE to go into lockdown.

“Our spaces are secure and our students are safe. We cannot lift this lockdown until given the all-clear by the NZ Police.

“Please DO NOT come into the school to collect your child, we cannot unlock our spaces for safety reasons. We will update as soon as we know more.”

Henry Hill School said it was in lockdown.

“The kids are safe but we’ve been told to stay locked down until we have been advised that it is safe to let the kids out.”

Tamatea Intermediate School, Tamatea Primary School and Tamatea High School were also in lockdown.