Police lifted precautionary lockdowns for several schools and childcare centers in Awanui after responding to a family harm event on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called around 1:45 p.m. following reports of threatening behavior involving weapons. Kaitāia Senior Sergeant Richard Garton stated that the incident occurred in close proximity to several educational facilities.
Response to Awanui School Lockdowns
The Armed Offenders Squad was deployed to the scene after information suggested one person may have been in possession of a firearm. Local schools and childcare centers were placed into precautionary lockdowns, which have since been lifted.
Reports circulated among the community that a gunman was on Southey Street, the road adjacent to Awanui Primary School. Far North District councillor Felicity Foy stated her family members heard four gunshots, and other residents made similar claims online.
The perceived threat caused disruptions to traffic on State Highway 1, where some motorists reportedly turned around after hearing what they believed was gunfire.
Senior Sergeant Garton later confirmed that there was no gunman. He clarified that the police response was a result of a family harm event characterized by threatening behavior.
Police have not located a firearm and are currently speaking with one of the parties involved.
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