South Auckland school in lockdown over burglaries

Pupils were taken into their classrooms and told to keep away from windows, and close curtains. Photo / File

A South Auckland school was on lockdown earlier today, while police searched for a burglar in the area.

Manurewa's Rowandale Primary School was advised by police at 2.30pm to go into lockdown, for an unknown reason.

Principal Karl Vasau said the school rang its emergency bell and an announcement was made over the intercom.

Rowandale School is in Lockdown ... All students are safe ... I will keep you all posted!

Posted by Rowandale School on Sunday, 29 May 2016

Pupils were taken into their classrooms and told to keep away from windows, and close curtains.

He said the lockdown lasted 20 minutes, after which kids were taken to the school hall for a head count.

All students were accounted for.

Mr Vasau said going into lockdown was not an irregular occurrence at the school.

A police spokesman said there was a burglar in the area, but he did not know if it was connected to the lockdown.

A witness said the police Eagle helicopter was in the area about 2.20pm.

Lockdown is over ... All students are safe ... Thank you for your understanding...

Posted by Rowandale School on Sunday, 29 May 2016