Masked gang storm school, stab boy
An armed gang wearing hoodies and ski masks have stormed a high school, allegedly stabbing a teen and sending terrified students and staff into lockdown.
Ellenbrook Secondary College was plunged into lockdown on Monday after a gang of armed assailants swarmed the school and stabbed a student in the arm.
A group of boys arrived at the school gates after the bell rang about 3pm on Monday dressed in black, wearing hoodies, ski masks and carrying weapons, including knives, machetes, and an axe, Perth Now reports.
The frightening sight prompted students, who were leaving for the day, to run back inside.
Staff quickly locked down the college, with teachers and students sheltering together inside various rooms for an hour and 20 minutes before police confirmed it was safe.
At least 50 students huddled in the front office watching the attackers on CCTV monitors.
A teenage boy, a student at the college, was stabbed in the bicep.
Police believe the attack was targeted and the offenders were not students at the school.
St John WA initially sent four ambulances to the campus just after 3pm, but three were later stood down.
The boy was taken to St John of God Midland hospital under normal road conditions.
His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening and he was in a stable condition on Monday night.
No charges have been laid.
WA Police Inspector Gary Butler said the incident was “completely unacceptable”.
“All students have the right to feel safe when they’re at school,” he said.
Insp. Butler said six people were in custody but there may be others outstanding.
“Those who we may not have caught up with yet, we urge you to hand yourself in,” he said.
“We will identify you and we will come knocking on your door.”
Officers continued to patrol the campus and its surrounds on Monday afternoon.
Parents were informed the college had gone into lockdown “as a precautionary measure to address an issue on campus”.
A message from the school said the incident had taken place after the final bell, so not all students were on the premises.
“Authorities have been notified and are assisting us,” the message to parents said. “We ask that you do not come to the college at this time, as this many interfere with safety protocols.
“We will provide further updates as soon as the situation is resolved and it is safe to do so.”
This article originally appeared in Perth Now and has been reproduced with permission.
Originally published as Masked gang storm school, stab boy
