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A lockdown of Hawke’s Bay Hospital was lifted about an hour after staff were told a gunman could be in its vicinity.
Armed police surrounded the Hastings hospital at every exit after an incident that Health NZ said began at the Emergency Department about 1.20pm on Wednesday.
Diversions were putin place and officers with dogs were being sent inside.
Detective Inspector Martin James, Acting Hawke’s Bay Area Commander, said officers had since established that the person had left the hospital before police arrived.
“At this stage the report of the person having a firearm in their possession is unsubstantiated; however, police will be undertaking further inquiries,“ James said.
Armed police at Hawke's Bay Hospital. Photo / Jack Riddell
The hospital, nearby Heretaunga Intermediate school, Kaweka Hospital and Camberley Kindergarten had all been in lockdown as a precaution, police said.
By 2.30pm cordons came down and police could be seen speaking to a man in handcuffs at the entrance to the Emergency Department.
Earlier, a staff member inside the hospital said staff had been sent a memo saying: “Hawke’s Bay Hospital has gone into lockdown due to a potential gunman in the vicinity. Please stay away from doors and windows and do not let anybody exit the building.”
Armed police surrounded the Hawke's Bay Hospital after an incident about 1.20pm on Wednesday. Photo / Jack Riddell
The staff member said at 2.15pm armed police and police dogs had searched the Emergency Department.
A Health NZ spokesperson said patient and staff safety was its “top priority”.
Heretaunga Intermediate principal Phil Jones his students handled the lockdown situation “absolutely fine” thanks to his school practising going into lockdowns regularly.
Angkor Wat, a nearby bakery, was also in lockdown.
“The police just came across and told us not to leave the shop since the hospitals are locked down,” staff member Nidar Maobun said.
About 10 people, including the workers, were inside the bakery at the time.
“It’s a bit scary … everyone’s just finished eating and are just on their phones now.”
Kathy, from Hospital Flowers, a shop across the road from Hawke’s Bay Hospital, had her doors locked as a precaution.
Some people with appointments booked at the hospital during the incident waited on the footpath , hoping to see their doctor.
Nurses meant to be starting their shifts at the hospital also found themselves unable to get into work for a time, but said they were unperturbed.
