Byron Bay public school sent into lockdown after teacher stabbed

Horrified children have recounted seeing the bloody aftermath of an alleged stabbing attack by a parent on Byron Bay teacher Zane Vockler today.

A Byron Bay teacher has undergone surgery after a parent allegedly set upon him with scissors this morning, slashing at his face.

Zane Vockler, 28, received cuts to his face and arms after the female parent allegedly stabbed him on the grounds of Byron Bay Public School about 7.20am today.

“Police will allege a 28-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were speaking on the premises before she approached him with what’s believed to be a pair of scissors,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“The man was treated at the scene before being taken to Byron Central Hospital for further treatment.”

Mr Vockler has since been transferred to Tweed Hospital in a stable condition to undergo surgery.

The school was sent into lockdown after the alleged attack. Picture: 9 News

The woman fled the scene, sparking a search and forcing the school to go into lockdown.

She was later arrested at her home on Beach Side Drive, Suffolk Park about 10.30am.

The lockdown was lifted before 11am.

The woman was taken to Byron Bay Police Station and charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and entering inclosed lands without lawful excuse.

She was refused bail to face Tweed Heads Local Court tomorrow

A spokesman for the NSW Department of Education confirmed to news.com.au that an incident had taken place involving a staff member at the school.

“Strict security measures were taken until police confirmed it was safe for the school to operate as normal,” the spokesman said.

“Counselling has been made available to staff and students.”

The school is reportedly no longer in lockdown. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

A member of the public took to the Byron Bay Community Board on Facebook to notify people of the alleged attack.

“Attention parents of Byron Bay Public School kids. There has been an incident at the school this morning which has resulted in a teacher being hospitalised,” the post read.

“We have been reassured that our child and all the children are safe. Just wanted to let everyone know, in case you wanted to contact the school and check on the wellbeing of your child, although they can’t share any details of the incident.”

Members of the community have been rocked by the news and have started sending well wishes for the victim.

“Hope everyone is safe terrible news wishing the teacher a speedy recovery,” one person said.

Another wrote: “Shocking, the news in our usually safe community, hope everyone can recover from this OK.”

The alleged attacker has been taken into custody. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

One parent claimed the children were told the teacher had an accident and that's why he had to go to hospital.

“The children have been told that a teacher had an accident. But, there was a pool of blood some children saw near the library. My son just showed me,” the woman wrote on the community Facebook group.

“I feel sick that it happened, and so shaken up that he saw the blood.”

People have praised the teachers for how they responded to the incident.

“The teachers did an amazing job ensuring all students at the school were in a safe area, with their parents close by, upon arrival to school. Scary stuff,” one person wrote.

Another person described the man who was allegedly stabbed as “the most lovely teacher” who was “so undeserving” of such horrible attack.