Lockdown lifted on Moerewa School as hunt for David Mane continues

Moerewa School was placed in lockdown Wednesday.
Moerewa School was placed in lockdown Wednesday. Photo credit: Google Maps

A lockdown on a Northland school has been lifted after concerns a man wanted by police was in the area.

Police are looking for 19-year-old David Mane after one person was injured in a firearms incident on Saturday in Moerewa, and the armed offenders squad was called in on Wednesday to assist the search. Police say he is dangerous and shouldn't be approached.

An area in the town was cordoned off and Moerewa School was placed in lockdown as a precaution, but that was lifted on Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed. Two search warrants were also carried out earlier in the day.

Mane is yet to be found, but Far North area commander inspector Riki Whiu says there are several people in the community who know where he is, and they're urged to come forward with any information.

"We do believe there are people who know his whereabouts and we urge them to do the right thing and contact police for the good of the Moerewa and wider Far North community.

"That way we can resolve this in the safest way possible [for] the community, David, and our Police staff."

Anyone who knows Mane's whereabouts is encouraged to call 111 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.