Two Auckland schools were placed in lockdown on Friday following separate incidents that prompted swift police responses and concern for student safety.
Papakura High School entered lockdown just before midday after an assault occurred nearby on Settlement Road.
While the incident did not happen on school grounds, emergency services transported one person to Middlemore Hospital in serious condition. Police are still seeking the person responsible, and have increased their presence in the area.
The school urged parents and caregivers not to visit or call, warning that doing so could interfere with safety procedures. An update will be provided once the lockdown is lifted.
Earlier in the day, Peninsula Primary School in Te Atatū also went into lockdown around 10am after a man—reportedly partially naked—was seen acting suspiciously on school grounds. He did not enter any buildings and was later apprehended by police, who are continuing to investigate.
All students and staff at Peninsula Primary were confirmed safe. The school remained secured throughout the day, with locked gates and police presence to ensure safety.
Police are continuing investigations into both incidents.
Image credit: Alam Kusuma
I never recall ever being “locked down” when I was at school. Back then I think that term was reserved for use in prisons.
F n hate this locking down of schools. If there really is someone dangerous it makes students sitting ducks.
Training the younger generations to be acceptable of lockdowns. wef parasite ideas
i wonder why they actually do it – is it paving the way for a future over-reach of some sort
i dread to think as there is no need to do it. it was never needed or done in the past strange.
The school says don’t contact us to find out what’s going on with your children WTF We hand over our children to you and you say f##k off when we want to know if our children are safe. If this is the response the schools are going to put out don’t be upset when parents turn up to take maters into their on hands.
If the schools and the police can’t give an appropriate response I sure as f##k am going go down and save my own child and anyone else’s I can. Sharpen up education department and police!!!! Ofher wise someone will