Search for gunman seen near school called off

Armed police are continuing their search for an armed gunman near a Featherston Primary School. File photo

A second search for a man seen carrying a rifle in Featherston has now been called off.

Wairarapa area commander Inspector Brent Register said police, including a dog handler, had once again failed to find any sign of suspicious activity, and were due to leave St Theresa's primary school at 3.45pm after parents had collected their children.

He said the second report of a sighting had come at 2.05pm, 15 minutes after the kids had been released into the playground, and appeared less credible than the first report.