New Zealand / Education

Threatening call that forced Gisborne schools into lockdown was a hoax, police say

18:08 pm on 17 May 2024

Lytton High School was among three Gisborne schools put into lockdown on Thursday. Photo: Supplied / Google Maps

A threatening phone call that plunged three Gisborne schools into lockdown on Thursday was a hoax, according to police.

Lytton High School, Riverdale Primary and Campion College all went into lockdown just before school pick-up time after Lytton High received threats via phone.

Parents were told not to collect their children while the matter was resolved.

The lockdowns were all lifted by 3.45pm.

On Friday, Tairāwhiti area commander Darren Paki said police had identified the number the call was made from and spoken to a youth connected to the number.

"We are satisfied that the call is a hoax and there are no ongoing safety concerns for the school or community.

"I commend the work done by the local schools, they all handled the situation with a high degree of professionalism, and I also want to praise the calm manner in which they went about keeping their school community safe."

Police were also speaking to another young person about the matter, which would be referred to Youth Services, Paki said.