A Sydney school already marked by tragedy was thrown into turmoil again on Monday morning, after a man allegedly threatened staff, prompting an urgent lockdown and a police search.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School, located at the corner of Druitt and Kent Streets in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, was placed in lockdown just before 9.45am when the man reportedly returned to the campus after making earlier threats.
Specialist police units swept through the school building in a coordinated response, but despite extensive searches, the man could not be found. Authorities later confirmed the lockdown was lifted once the premises were declared safe.
“Staff had been threatened, and a search of the building was conducted with the assistance of specialist resources,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“An investigation is now underway into the incident, and inquiries continue to locate the man.”
Parents were alerted via text message during the lockdown, which came less than a year after the high-profile murder of water polo coach Lilie James, 22, on the same campus.
James was allegedly brutally killed on 25 October 2023 by her ex-partner and colleague Paul Thijssen, who attacked her in a school bathroom with a hammer. He later took his own life by jumping from cliffs at Vaucluse.
The latest incident has reignited concern among the school community, still recovering from the trauma of James’ death.
Police are urging anyone with information about Monday’s incident to contact Crime Stoppers as their investigation continues.
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