Reports of gunman near school a product of a 'vivid imagination'

File photo / NZ Herald

Reports of an armed gunman near a Featherston school yesterday turned out to be the figment of a pupil's "vivid imagination", say police.

Officers were called to St Theresa's School twice yesterday after reports of a man pointing a rifle at pupils.

Wairarapa Police tactical coordinator Senior Sergeant Carolyn Watson said armed police and dog units were first sent to the school about 11am.

She said police were unable to find the man and left, before being called back a second time.

"We were again called just after 2pm ... to reports of a male with a rifle and a knife and again were unable to locate any weapon or person fitting this description."

Police have today spoken with a pupil at St Theresa's School, who appeared to have a vivid imagination she said.

"However police treat these types of incidents extremely seriously and yesterday the focus was on keeping students and staff at St Theresa's School safe, whilst we investigated the reports."

Ms Watson said reports of armed offenders will always be treated with the utmost priority.

"We will be having a chat with pupils at St Theresa's School next week to reflect on yesterday's incident."