Knife sighting leads to school lockdown
A Port Hedland primary school was locked down yesterday after a man wielding a knife was allegedly seen walking through a nearby oval and carpark as children were preparing to go home for the day.
The North West Telegraph understands Baler Primary School in South Hedland went into lockdown while students and teachers waited for police to secure the area.
Principal Rochelle Williamson sent a letter home with students that afternoon, informing parents of the incident.
"I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred yesterday after students had been dismissed from classes at the end of the school day," she wrote.
"A member of the community was seen walking across the school oval and school carpark carrying a knife.
"Parents and staff contacted police immediately who attended straight away. The school and administration staff acted immediately to protect students, staff and parents/carers while the incident was investigated."
A WA police spokesman confirmed officers were dispatched to the school immediately after the call came in around 2.30pm.
"A suspicious person was reportedly seen carrying a knife and walking from Kanji Close across the oval near the school," he said.
"There was no mention of any interaction with children.
"At least two police vehicles responded to the incident, conducted patrols of the school and the surrounding area, but were unable to find anyone matching the description."
