Wellington school lockdowns after possible sighting of person of interest, Digi Mart USA News (Johnsonville, Wellington, New Zealand): Police have not found a person of interest they were seeking in an incident that caused multiple north Wellington schools to go into lockdown.
A police spokesperson said officers had a warrant to arrest a person who was believed to have been sighted near Alex Moore Park in Johnsonville. The Armed Offenders Squad had been sent to the area as a precaution but was later stood down.
The cordon on Bannister Avenue was also lifted, but police said officers would remain in the area and were asking questions at a house. “There is not believed to be any threat to the public,” the spokesperson said.
Onslow College, St Brigid’s School, Johnsonville School and Raroa Normal Intermediate went into lockdown for about an hour on the morning of the incident, on police advice. Schools had earlier advised parents to avoid the area and not to try to pick up students.
In a message on its website, Onslow College urged parents not to come to the school or phone, saying they would not be attended to and that this could disrupt management of the incident and potentially place families and staff at risk. Other schools issued similar announcements.
St Brigid’s School later said, “Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions. I would like to personally thank you for your support during this uncertain time.”
