Darwin schools placed into lockdown due to student with weapon
A student has been arrested and a weapon seized by police after two Darwin schools were plunged into lockdown.
Northern Territory
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A boy has been arrested and a weapon seized by police after two Darwin schools were plunged into lockdown.
The schools were placed into lockdown for 10 minutes about 9.25am on Wednesday as a “precautionary measure to an external situation”.
The Department of Education said a student from the high school had been involved.
No staff or students were harmed, it was confirmed.
A Department of Education spokesman said classes resumed by 9.40am.
“A brief lockdown was initiated as a precautionary action while the incident was de-escalated to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.
“The student was not in class or in a school building at the time of the incident. NT police attended the school to provide additional support.
“The incident will be investigated further in accordance with school and Departmental policy.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our top priority.
“We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment and we continually work to ensure that all students and staff feel secure.”
NT Police said officers arrested a boy in the vicinity of the school and seized an edged weapon.
A police spokesman said charges were expected to be laid later on Wednesday.
A source told the NT News it was believed the edged weapon was a machete.
An email obtained by the NT News from the principal initially revealed a campus had come out of lockdown as the situation was resolved.
“The lockdown was lifted once it was confirmed that the situation has been resolved,” they said.
“We understand that incidents like this can cause concern, but we want to reassure everyone that the safety and wellbeing of our students remain our top priority.”
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