Napier schools locked down due to police incident

Two Napier schools were put into lockdown on Thursday afternoon after reports of a person with a weapon being seen nearby.

Police were called to reports of a "disorder" on Tait Drive at 2.15pm, a police spokesperson said, and it was believed a weapon had been seen.

Armed police were on Tait Drive, the spokesperson confirmed.

"There are cordons in the area and locals are asked to respect these until the incident is resolved."

Motorists should avoid the Kennedy Rd and Tait Drive area in particular, the spokesperson said as congestion was expected.

Parkside Adventist Christian School said on social media, students were allowed to go home just before 3pm, but needed to avoid Tait Drive as it was closed.

The school earlier said it had been put in lockdown "until further notice".

Porritt Primary School also said on social media it was in lockdown after being advised to do so by the Ministry of Education.

"Our spaces are secure and our students are safe. We cannot lift this lockdown until given the all clear by the NZ police."

Parents should not come to the school to collect their children, Porritt Primary School principal Maaka Papuni said, as rooms couldn't be unlocked for safety reasons.

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