A police search has failed to find any sign of a suspicious man on school grounds at Burnside High School in Christchurch.
The man was reportedly seen by students earlier today, Board of Trustee chair Conan Fee said.
Students were kept inside during the search but would return to their usual classes, and police would remain at the school, he said.
Police say they conducted a sweep in the vicinity of Burnside High School after a person was seen in the school grounds at around 11am possibly carrying a gun.
The person, described as a Maori male, aged 16 to 18, wearing a black coat and dark jeans, was seen by students walking through the grounds carrying what appeared to be a silver pistol.
The gun was not presented at anybody and no threats were made.
The male was seen exiting the school grounds towards Memorial Avenue.
Police say they believe it is likely the person is no longer in the vicinity of the school, and they say there is no immediate threat or risk to students or people nearby.
Dozens of officers with assault rifles descended on the school late this morning and more than 13 police cars were at the scene.
Bystanders were asked to move away because they "could be in danger.''
A pupil said students had been told there was a "dangerous man'' on the grounds.
The school was placed in lockdown and the pupils were rushed inside the hall.
Students have since been seen filing out of their classrooms and the school hall, and were wandering around the school grounds.
