Boy, 13, sparks armed police call out

A 13-year-old boy with an air gun sparked an armed police call out in central Blenheim.

A member of the public reported seeing an armed man near the Clubs of Marlborough building about 2.30pm yesterday.

Armed police cordoned off the area, which included Blenheim School, but an hour later the boy was found nearby in the town's public library, said Senior Sergeant Ciaran Sloan of Blenheim police.

Pupils were sent back to their classrooms about 3pm while armed police patrolled the school. Parents and children were allowed to leave about 10 minutes later.

The 13-year-old boy would be referred to youth aid, he said.

- NZPA