A teenage boy has been arrested and what appeared to be an imitation firearm has been seized following a ‘serious incident’ at a north Queensland school.
Ryan Catholic College was plunged into lockdown for an hour on Thursday as the incident unfolded on Canterbury Road at Kirwan, Townsville at around 12pm.
The 1,800 children enrolled between kindergarten and Year 12 at the huge school were forced to remain in their classrooms during the shocking incident.
The incident was sparked after reports of two suspicious people being spotted near the school grounds.
A boy was reportedly seen carrying what appeared to be a replica weapon or gel blaster, the Townsville Bulletin reported.
Police said the initial information was that the boy allegedly assaulted another boy before fleeing on foot.
The boy who was allegedly assaulted sustained minor injuries.
A search and lockdown was immediately enacted at the school as the situation evolved.
Ryan Catholic College (pictured) students were forced to remain in the classroom as the incident unfolded on Canterbury Road at Kirwan, Townsville at 12pm on Thursday
Police soon managed to locate a teenage boy in connection with the incident.
He was taken into custody and is assisting police with their inquiries.
The school administration issued a statement earlier, saying ‘A serious incident has occurred resulting in the college being placed in lockdown.
Police said the initial information was that the boy allegedly assaulted another boy before fleeing on foot. A Queensland police badge is pictured
‘Staff acted quickly and calmly, and all students are safe.
‘Police are onsite to resolve the issue and further communication will be sent once the lockdown has been lifted.’
The lockdown was lifted an hour later and the children were allowed to leave their classrooms.
Police said no one was injured and there is no ongoing threat to the school.
