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Loud bangs that plunged a Perth school into lockdown and forced residents indoors have been blamed on a backfiring car — and not a gun — by authorities.
7NEWS cameras were on the ground when sounds feared to have been gunshots were heard in Clarkson on Wednesday afternoon.
WATCH THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE: School in lockdown over Clarkson ‘gunshots’.
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Authorities have since ruled out a firearm being the source of the noises which twice sent terrified Clarkson Primary School staff and students into lockdown.
“So initial indications (are) it may well be a car backfiring and that is what our thoughts are,” Acting Inspector Les Andrews said, although he conceded “there’s a number of possibilities”.
Andrews said there was no evidence to indicate an actual firearm was discharged in the suburb in Perth’s north.
Authorities say the source of Wednesday’s Clarkson gun shot scare was a backfiring car. Credit: 7NEWSParents have been able to collect their kids from Clarkson Primary School. Credit: 7NEWS
“What we do know, there were loud noises but there was no evidence of any weapons or anything of the sort,” he said.
Andrews confirmed authorities have not spoken to registered gun owners in the area.
He said it was now safe for people to leave their homes and parents have also been able to collect their students from the local primary school.
“We still have cars in the area conducting patrols, providing a presence to reassure the community that all is well,” Andrews said.
“We are very comfortable that the community is safe to leave their homes.”
Police say there is no evidence a gun was fired. Credit: 7NEWSClarkson Primary School was locked down following reports of gunshots. Credit: Department of Education
The emergency was sparked when witnesses phoned police with reports of gunshots about midday.
Joondalup Police thoroughly searched the area, spoke with witnesses and checked CCTV vision but found little.
Police searched the school grounds before the lockdown, which was introduced as a precaution for students and staff, was lifted about 1.15pm.
Further police resources were poured into the suburb when a second volley of suspected gunshots was heard about 2.40pm.
It sparked more panic and prompted the school to again take action, but in the end, police found nothing.
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