A person is in custody and lockdowns lifted at two Hamilton schools after a reported firearms sighting at pick-up time this afternoon.
Hillcrest High School and Silverdale Normal School were locked down while police attended an incident near the intersection of Silverdale Rd and Masters Ave.
Police said they were called just before 3pm with some staff armed “as a precaution”.
According to the Hillcrest High School Facebook page, the school was put into lockdown around 3.13pm.
“Please do not come to the school. We will let you know when it is safe to release students,” the post said.
One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had been at the scene since about 3pm.
”I saw cop cars coming down Silverdale Rd. There were about four and that happened quite quickly, no sirens just lights.”
She said she watched as the Armed Offenders Squad and police with dogs also arrived at the scene. She said she saw two young people taken into custody by police.
A post on a Hamilton community page with videos in the comments showed one person surrendering to police on the ground.
Police cordons were lifted and students released about 5.20pm.
Police said two imitation firearms have been recovered from an address.
Charges are being considered.
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.
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