Frankton School locked down during pre-planned police operation

Hamilton’s Frankton School was locked down for more than half an hour this morning due to a “pre-planned” police operation.

Police said one person was arrested at an address in the Frankton suburb.

“Cordons were put in place and a local school was advised by police to go into lockdown as a precaution.”

Cordons have since been lifted but officers remain at the scene.

An alert on the school’s website advised parents and caregivers of the event at 9.05am.

“Police have advised there is an incident nearby to the school,” the school said.

“Please do not come to the school or phone the school as you will not be attended to. We will update this website when the lockdown has been completed.”

An update at 9.16am said all children were “safe and accounted for”.

At 9.45am, acting principal Christine Lennon announced on the website the lockdown was over.

“Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions.”

Lennon said a notice would be going out to parents and caregivers tonight to provide more information about emergency lockdown procedures.

“I would like to personally thank you for your support while we conduct these lockdowns.”

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.