Glencoe Primary School locked down to protect students from police incident nearby

Children had to be locked inside their classrooms in a primary school in Perth’s south as a police incident unfolded near by.

Classrooms at Glencoe Primary School in Halls Head were reportedly locked down on Thursday after a request from police.

In a memo to parents, deputy principal Janelle Walters reassured parents their children had been locked in to keep them safe.

“I am writing to make you aware of an incident in the local community which required all students to remain in their classrooms for a period of time,” she wrote.

“The school acted immediately on advice from police to ensure students remained safely inside and away from an incident that they were managing in a nearby street.

“I want to reassure you that, at no time, were students in danger.

“As much as possible, students were limited from being able to see what was occurring.

“These precautionary arrangements were put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the school.”

Ms Walters added that parents could contact the school if they felt their child needed extra support “following today’s events”.

A spokesperson for WA Police said local detectives had attended a residence near a school in Halls Head on Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation.

“As a precaution, the school was advised to keep students inside,” the spokesperson said.

“The matter was resolved without incident, and there was no risk to public safety or students.”

An Education Department spokesperson said the children had remained in their classrooms “for a brief period” while police responded to an incident in the community.

“At no time were any students in danger and the school issued communications to parents about the precautionary measure,” they said.

“The safety and wellbeing of everyone at school is always the priority.”