A NUMBER of Bathurst schools were put into lockdown on Wednesday after a security scare where it was thought two boys may have been carrying a firearm.
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Police were called just before lunchtime following a report that two children, boys aged 12 and 13, were suspected of taking a pistol into a tutorial centre. It was later found to be a replica.
The boys were confronted by teachers at the centre and then fled with the item that staff feared was a firearm.
Chifley local area command Acting Superintendent Luke Rankin said teachers immediately contacted police.
“During that time lockdown protocols were observed by nearby schools, as well as the two schools the boys attend on a regular basis,” Supt Rankin said.
Supt Rankin said police began searching the area for the boys involved and found them in a park a few blocks away around 3pm.
The boys were spoken to by police and with their co-operation police located a replica firearm at another location.
Supt Rankin said the boys were arrested and taken back to Bathurst police station where they were assisting police with their inquiries late on Wednesday.
At the time of going to press, police were still interviewing the two juveniles, who were being supported by their parents and caregivers. Police were unable to say whether any threats had been made or whether charges would be laid.
“All I can say is inquiries are continuing,” Supt Rankin said.
Bathurst Public School, one of the schools in lockdown, issued a statement to parents on Wednesday afternoon via Facebook.
School principal Kate White said in the statement that “today at school we had a ‘lock out’ situation just before and during lunch”.
“This was due to an incident that occurred outside of school that did not directly involve our children, staff or parents,” she posted.
“To ensure the safety of all children and staff, we took the option to leave children in their classroom until the external situation was under control.
“All children at Bathurst Public School were safe at all times and had a normal lunch in their classrooms.”
Parents commended the school for its actions and thanked the staff for keeping the students safe and the parents informed.
The school posted it had received the all clear from the police and would reopen its school gates at 3pm.
It is understood Bathurst High School was also locked down as part of the operation on Wednesday.