Hamilton Police respond to reports of a firearm near school

Police have taken one person into custody after a firearm was reportedly seen at a residential address on Massey St in Hamilton.

Armed police were sighted on Massey St, near Frankton School at about 2.15pm.

A police spokesperson said officers were responding to reports of a firearm at a residential address.

“We’ve taken a person into custody at the house,” the spokesperson said.

“No firearm has been located.”

Nearby Frankton School was in lockdown.

According to the school’s website, the school went into lockdown due to police presence outside the school.

“Please do not come to the school or phone the school as you will not be attended to,” the website said.

“We will update this website when the lockdown is completed.”

At 2.22pm the school’s website said the lockdown was still in place with children able to be up off the floor and use toilets while supervised.

The school has since issued a message from Frankton School principal Kirsten Ratana saying the lockdown had ended.

“All students, staff and persons on-site are safely accounted for,” Ratana said.

“Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions.”

Ratana’s message said a notice would be going out to parents and caregivers tonight to provide some more information about our emergency lockdown procedures.

“I would like to personally thank you for your support while we conduct these lockdowns,” Ratana said.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.