“Three people have allegedly entered school grounds and approached a student on site and assaulted him,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Veronica McPherson of Counties Manukau CIB, detailing an incident at Alfriston College that prompted a precautionary lockdown on Thursday afternoon.
Police were called to the South Auckland school at around lunchtime, specifically at 1.19pm, following reports of an assault. Three students were attacked during the incident, which police later confirmed stemmed from an ongoing dispute involving people known to each other. When two other students attempted to intervene, they were also allegedly assaulted and threatened. One student was transported to hospital for an assessment, though police confirmed yesterday that no one suffered serious injuries.
Did You Know? Alfriston College is located in Randwick Park, within South Auckland’s Manurewa area, and was placed into a precautionary lockdown that was successfully lifted before 2.45pm on Thursday.
Manukau Court Appearances for Two Arrested Suspects
Following the lunchtime altercation, police tracked a vehicle of interest to a Randwick Park property. Residents living close to the school reported a police helicopter circling the area as officers responded. Authorities arrested a man and a woman, both aged 20, who are due to appear in the Manukau District Court today.
Court documents show that the male suspect faces charges of aggravated burglary and assaults with intent to injure, with the burglary charge alleging he entered the school without authority while armed with a knife. The female suspect was charged with burglary and assault. A Hato Hone St John Ambulance spokesperson stated that although emergency crews were notified by police, ambulance transport was ultimately not required at the scene.
School Lockdown Procedures and Ongoing Police Inquiries
During the emergency response, Alfriston College utilized its official website to manage communication, urging parents and members of the public not to visit or phone the school. Principal Kylee Jefferies confirmed on the school’s website at approximately 2.45pm that the lockdown had ended and that all learners, staff, and persons on-site were safely accounted for. Jefferies noted that everyone responded well to instructions.
Investigators are continuing to examine whether others were involved in the altercation. “We are continuing to speak with witnesses about what has taken place,” McPherson said. “Violence is totally unacceptable and those involved will be held accountable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the incident at Alfriston College happen?
Police were called to the South Auckland school at approximately 1.19pm on Thursday following reports of an assault.
What charges are the suspects facing in court?
The 20-year-old male suspect was charged with aggravated burglary and assaults with intent to injure, while the 20-year-old female suspect was charged with burglary and assault.
Were any of the students seriously hurt during the lockdown?
One student was transported to hospital for an assessment, but police confirmed that no one sustained serious injuries during the altercation.
How should educational institutions balance open community access with effective campus security during an ongoing personal dispute?
Worth a look