A BENALLA school went into emergency lockdown yesterday as police negotiated with a mentally ill young woman in a nearby house.
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Benalla Sen Sgt Bob Davis said the 19-year-old contacted her mother and threatened to harm herself, with her mother contacting police soon after.
He said police went to the young woman’s Helms Court unit at 8.45am and found she had barricaded herself inside a unit.
“Because it was directly across the road from the secondary college, the school went into emergency lockdown,” he said.
“We had to allow for a scenario if she ran into the school.”
Police negotiated with the woman, who came out at 10.15am unharmed.
“The girl came out in a frenzied state but she was not armed and was not threatening,” Sen Sgt Davis said.
He said police did not believe reports the woman had a knife were correct.
He said the woman was taken to Wangaratta hospital for treatment.
Anyone needing support is encouraged to phone Lifeline on 131 114.
