In response to reports of a “suspicious man” in the area, multiple schools initiated lockdown procedures, hoping to ensure the safety of their students due to their proximity to the potential threat.

Images and videos obtained by 9News reveal the tense atmosphere at Golden Grove High School, where students were instructed to hide in cupboards. Meanwhile, alarms blared and police officers patrolled the premises, heightening the sense of urgency and concern.

Parents like Adreena Axisa found themselves in distressing situations as they received messages from their children, who were both confused and frightened by the unfolding events. Axisa recounted a message from her child that read, “Hey mum, I love you so much, we are in lockdown, and I am hiding in a closet. I have no idea what’s going on.” This left her feeling extremely anxious and concerned for her child’s safety.

Kate Nash, another parent, shared a similar experience, having received unsettling communications from her daughter during the incident. The uncertainty and fear permeated the community, leaving both students and parents grappling with the unknown.

“[It] absolutely scared the hell out of me.

Kate Nash received a similar message from her daughter.

“I just got a message from my daughter saying, ‘We are in lockdown mum. Don’t know what’s going on, there’s cops everywhere’,” she said.

After dozens of officers combed the area, the true cause of the panic was revealed.

9News understands the “suspicious man” was actually a staff member innocently carrying a toy gun.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on the part of the staff member.

Police conducted a final search of the area, before allowing the schools to reopen and classes to resume as normal in the afternoon.

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