Wairarapa Police investigating reports of an armed male in Featherston

Wairarapa Police are investigating reports of an armed male seen by school children at the rear of St Theresa's school in Featherston earlier today.

Police were called by the school just after 11 o'clock after pupils told staff they'd seen a male in camouflage clothing on the railway lines with what they described as a rifle pointed at them.

Wairarapa Police Tactical Coordinator Senior Sergeant Carolyn Watson says armed Police and dog units converged onto the school and neighbouring areas to search for the male and the Wellington District Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) was placed on standby.

"Despite an extensive search, Police were unable to locate any person fitting this description and stood down shortly after 1:30pm. School pupils were kept inside classrooms during this time."

Senior Sergeant Watson says shortly after 2 o'clock this afternoon, Police received a further call from the school after some pupils reported a second sighting of a male, armed with a rifle and a knife.

"The children reported seeing the male throw the knife at a tree. A further extensive search was carried out and the school went back into lockdown until around 3:30pm this afternoon. Police did not locate any weapons during their extensive search of the area."

She says whilst Police were unable to locate the male, calls of this nature are treated with the utmost priority and Police responded accordingly.

"A number of Wairarapa staff were deployed to protect the children and staff at the school, along with members of the public."

The male was described as Caucasian, wearing camouflage clothing, possibly with a tattoo on his left arm and scarring on his face.

"We'd like to hear from anyone who may have seen a person fitting this description in the Featherston area today, who may have witnessed either of these incidents. Anyone with any information should contact Wairarapa Police on (06) 370 0300 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.