Police called after axe-wielding intruder enters Staughton College in Melton

POLICE have been called to a Melbourne college after an intruder reportedly wielding a tomahawk was found in the schoolyard at lunchtime.

A male wielding a tomahawk was spotted in the schoolyard of a Melbourne college during lunchtime. Picture: Brendan Radke.

POLICE have been called to a Melbourne college after an intruder reportedly wielding a tomahawk was found in the schoolyard.

Staughton College, in Melton, sent a text message alert warning parents that an “intruder” had briefly entered the school today.

“School Emergency plan was enacted,” the message said.

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“All students safe at all times.”

Police confirmed they were called to the school.

Victoria Police said in a statement that the school principal confronted the man, who produced an axe.

“The man continued walking across the oval and left the Wilson Road school grounds,” the police statement said.

“No one was injured and all students were safe during the incident. Police are investigating.”

A student told the Herald Sun the incident happened about 1.45pm during lunch break.

He was just 15m from the weapon-wielding intruder, who appeared about to be “an adolescent”.

The student said he spotted a number of teachers following the intruder, carrying an orange tomahawk.

“He was heading towards the fence at the back of the school to get out of there,” the student said.

“He threw the axe over the fence, climbed the fence and then climbed another fence into someone’s backyard.

“The teachers said it was all under control but my gut was saying it wasn’t under control.

“I wanted to get out of the school. My first thought was if there was more than one (intruder).”

A Facebook group for the Bacchus Marsh and Melton area has been inundated with comments from concerned parents.

A parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Herald Sun that the school should not have taken more than an hour to notify parents.

“A lot of parents were in shock,” the parent said.

More to come

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@moniquehore