West Spreydon School was placed into lockdown earlier today following reports of loud bangs in the surrounding community.

Police were notified about 12.30pm of loud bangs heard in the Spreydon area. Enquiries were completed but nothing of note was located, a Police spokesperson said.

In a message sent to parents, the school said the lockdown was implemented on the instruction of the Ministry of Education, reassuring families that all children were safe and accounted for.

Parents were asked not to contact the school office or come onto school grounds while the lockdown was in place, and were told they would be notified once it was lifted.

There was no disruption reported at the nearby George Manning Rest Home, which confirmed it was operating as normal.

In a statement to Chris Lynch Media, the Ministry of Education said the lockdown had since been lifted and learning had resumed.

Speaking to chrislynchmedia.com, West Spreydon School said it received strong support and communication from both the Ministry of Education and Police during the incident.

“The school reacted immediately upon advice. The children were calm, and Police came to see us and reassure us that things were okay,” a school spokesperson said.

“Reports had been made in the community of very loud bangs, which were initially thought to be gunshots, but they were fireworks. We always react with caution and again received fantastic support.”