Authorities in Melbourne are investigating a serious incident at a secondary college after a student allegedly produced a knife during a confrontation with a teacher. The event triggered an immediate lockdown at the school as a precaution.
School Lockdown in Melbourne's West
Police were called to Tarneit Senior College in Melbourne's west around 9:30am on Thursday following reports of the altercation. It is understood a dispute escalated, leading the teenage student to produce the weapon.
While the swift lockdown ensured no one was physically injured, the incident has caused significant concern within the school community. The teenager involved is currently assisting police with their enquiries as the investigation continues.
Neo-Nazi Participant Deported from Australia
In a separate national matter, a South African man who participated in a neo-Nazi rally outside State Parliament has been deported. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles cancelled the visa of Matthew Gruter, who had been living in Australia for three years as a civil engineer.
Gruter and his family departed from Sydney this morning. His removal follows widespread condemnation of last month's anti-Jewish protest, which sparked national outrage. As he was followed through the airport, Gruter was heard telling a friend he "just stood there" during the rally.
Severe Heatwave Warnings Extended
A severe heatwave warning has been issued for large parts of eastern Australia, with conditions expected to persist through the weekend. The Hunter region, Sydney, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains are all in the firing line, with temperatures predicted to peak on Saturday.
Sydney is forecast to reach 35C on Friday and 36C on Saturday, while western suburbs could swelter through 40C heat. The combination of hot, dry and windy air is creating extreme fire danger ratings across southern NSW on Friday, extending to central, eastern and northern regions on Saturday.
Extreme fire danger is also forecast for central and western Victoria, and most of southeast South Australia. Severe heatwave conditions are expected in Queensland's Gulf Country, parts of the Northern Territory, and Western Australia's Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
Manhunt After Adelaide Custody Escape
In South Australia, police have launched a major search for a 36-year-old man who escaped from custody in Adelaide's western suburbs. The man was arrested on Thursday after allegedly threatening officers with a hammer and fleeing on a bicycle in Glenelg North.
After being charged and refused bail, he was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for assessment. Just before 9:30pm on Thursday, he broke free while being escorted from the hospital, fleeing on foot while still handcuffed and wearing a blue medical gown.
Police describe him as of Aboriginal appearance, approximately 170cm tall, weighing 60kg, with short black hair and stubble. The public is warned not to approach him and to contact police immediately with any sightings.
