A boy has been arrested after allegedly making threats while armed with a knife during a terrifying incident that sent students scrambling to safety and forced a Sydney school into lockdown.
The alarm blasted across Cambridge Park High School in Western Sydney about 12.30pm on Friday when students said the boy began waving a paring knife in the air and running across the campus.
About 40 students were preparing to leave the library for their next class when the boy, who also attends the school, walked inside holding the blade, sending them running for cover.
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“I was really scared. When I saw the knife, my heart just dropped,” one pupil told 7NEWS.com.au.
Children were ushered into the corner of the library before teachers managed to “push” the boy out, lock the doors and switch off the lights, leaving them huddled in the dark.
‘Mum we are in lockdown. I’m scared’
Many were crying, and others called and texted their parents.
“Mum we are in lockdown. Someone just came into the library and he pulled out a knife and held it up in front of me. I ran. I’m scared,” a fearful child messaged their mother.
That’s when the boy “started to scrape the knife on the glass doors and tap on (them with the blade),” one student said.
Students were also locked down in other parts of the school, including a hall.
Police were called and a boy was arrested before being taken to Penrith police station.
A knife was also seized at the school.
“No injuries were reported and there is no ongoing threat,” NSW Police said, with the investigation ongoing.
The NSW Department of Education told 7NEWS.com.au the school went into lockdown when the “student made threats”.
“Staff and police acted swiftly to ensure the safety of students. There were no injuries and the school re-opened shortly after,” a spokesperson said.
“Supports are available for students and staff.”
A student told 7NEWS they had been allowed to go home early but were still uneasy about what they had witnessed.
“I’m a bit scared and shocked. I don’t know if I should cry or not,” the student said.
The incident comes a day after two people were taken to hospital following a stabbing incident near a high school in Sydney’s inner west.
A 25-year-old man was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition after suffering face, head, neck and hand wounds after allegedly being assaulted at a home in Marrickville.
A 55-year-old woman was also allegedly slashed across the throat and taken to the same hospital in a stable condition.
A 22-year-old man has been charged with two counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder.
