Investigation continues as police speak to witnesses in Albany high school ‘axe scare’

A 14-year-old Spencer Park boy is alleged to have threatened a student with an axe on Tuesday in a scare that triggered a police search at North Albany Senior High School. About noon on November 2, Albany police received a call from NASHS about an incident on the school’s oval. Albany police Sgt Brendon Blades said a male had reportedly turned up at the school in possession of an axe. Police rushed to NASHS and started searching the campus and surrounding area until they found the 14-year-old boy. The juvenile had been identified as the suspect but he had not yet been charged over the incident, Sgt Blades said. Police do not believe he is a NASHS student. Sgt Blades said it did not appear the boy had tried to steal anything. Police would be speaking to other students and teachers who saw the alleged altercation, Sgt Blades said. “This was an isolated, one-off incident,” he said. “A fairly young person is involved. Hopefully he might learn his lesson.” On Tuesday afternoon, parents received a text message from NASHS principal Peter Hurle assuring them “nobody was hurt”, and thanking staff and police. “Thank you to the NASHS staff and students who acted responsibly when a challenging incident occurred today on the school oval,” the text said. “Our thanks to Albany Police for their prompt response.” Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 9892 9300.