Kerikeri High School out of lockdown following incident

Kerikeri High School went into lockdown following an incident at around 11.20am, Monday morning.

A young person involved in a brawl was reported carrying a knife on the School grounds, which led to the lockdown.

There was little detail surrounding the fight and cause for it to happen in the early stages.

An email supplied to thisquality was sent out by Associate Principal Mike Clent to parents and caregivers mentioning steps taken to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

The email read: “We will do our best to keep you updated through email and our School app as this situation develops, and we will notify everyone through email and the school app as soon as the Lockdown is lifted.”

“Please do not attempt to contact your child during this Lockdown; students have been advised by staff to turn mobile devices off.”

“We also ask parents, whanau and caregivers to not attempt to enter the School during the Lockdown.”

Image: CC/ SUPPLIED

Far North Police Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson gave a comment to thisquality on the situation that unfolded.

“Police were called to reports of an altercation involving students at Kerikeri High School this morning,” he said.

“A student reportedly made threats to another group of students before leaving the School and returning with a male who does not attend the School. The student and the male have then allegedly assaulted another student at the school.”

A knife fell on the ground during the assault. There's no evidence suggesting it was wielded or used.

The student did not sustain any injuries, and no medical assistance was required.

“As a precaution, the School went into lockdown for a brief time, but that has now lifted,” Sergeant Robinson said.

“Police initiated a number of area enquiries as a response to the incident. The student was swiftly located at a nearby property on Cobham Road. They are currently assisting us with our enquiries into locating the other male.”

“While our enquiries are in their early stages, Police want to reassure the School community that we are speaking to the victim, several witnesses and the students involved to establish exactly what has taken place.”

The lockdown was lifted at around 12.05pm — an evacuation of all students took place at the nearby sports field. Parents could take their kids home from 12.30pm.

Authorities are working closely with the School to assist with any further details.

Image: SUPPLIED/Google Maps