Lockdown ends at New Plymouth Boys' High School following threat

A lockdown at New Plymouth Boys High School has ended.

The school went into a precautionary lockdown after a threat was made.

Police began packing away their weapons into vehicles and began pulling away from the school shortly after 1.30pm.

Vernon, a parent who had been waiting outside the school in the rain, said he was delighted with the outcome.

Similarly, Tess, a New Plymouth Girls High student who had been concerned about her boyfriend, was now looking forward to giving him a big hug.

Tess had been walking back from her Math NCEA level exam when she saw a lot of police cars making their way to the school.

The school said the lockdown had lifted by 1.40pm.

Police said the threat was made on Tuesday morning, first being alerted to it at 9.50am.

"A substantial Police effort was put in place following the threat and included the Armed Offenders Squad which was called in as a precaution," Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray said.

"Police enquiries continue into the circumstances of the incident."

"Police are in the area working to determine the veracity of the threat, police said.

Earlier, a mum standing outside the school said she is concerned for her son who was inside.

Parents said they had been sent no communication from the school, with more than an hour past since the lockdown began.

"Absolutely I'm concerned, my heart is going like the clappers, but obviously there's nothing I can do.

"As soon as I saw there was an incident happening, I came."