Lockdown ended at Awanui School in Far North after family harm callout

Awanui Primary School went into lockdown today about 2pm.

A Far North school was in lockdown this afternoon as armed police responded to a family harm callout.

Awanui Primary School made the announcement on its Facebook page shortly after 2pm.

“No one is to enter or leave the school grounds ... We are in the process of contacting whānau.”

No further details were provided at the time.

Awanui Primary School principal Dannielle Thomson told the Northern Advocate she had “no comment” when contacted.

Far North District councillor Felicity Foy, whose family members live in Awanui, was told there had been a gunman on the road next to the school, on Southey St.

Foy said she was told the Armed Offenders Squad were at the school and police had blocked off State Highway 1.

Foy’s family members heard four gunshots, she said.

Other people in the area claimed online they or family members had also heard gunshots.

Some motorists waiting on SH1 reportedly turned around after hearing what they believed was gunfire.

However, Kaitāia Senior Sergeant Richard Garton confirmed there was no gunman.

“It was a family harm event with threatening behaviour in relation to using weapons requiring us to use our Armed Offenders Squad.”

Police were called around 1.45pm to a family harm report, which Garton said was in close proximity to a number of schools.

“Information suggested one person may be in possession of a firearm,” he said.

Local schools and childcare centres were placed into precautionary lockdowns, which had since been lifted.

“Police have not located a firearm, and we’re speaking with one of the parties involved.”