School locked down after man attempts to break into car with child inside

A primary school on Brisbane’s northside was put into lockdown on Thursday afternoon after reports of a man trying to break into a car with a child inside.

In a text to parents seen by this masthead, St Columba’s Primary School principal Nick Fogarty said the man was unsuccessful, and chased away by some nearby parents.

“The child did not go to St Columba’s,” he said in the text.

The Catholic school is in Wilston on the busy Kedron Brook Road.

“A couple of fathers chased the perpetrator through the 7-11 car park and down Days Road,” Fogarty wrote, referring to a street around the corner from the school.

“Once we were made aware of the situation, I put the school into lockdown [and] called the police.

“I spoke with police once they arrived, and they confirmed what had transpired.”

A Queensland police spokesperson said officers had responded to reports of a man attempting to steal a car on Anthill Street, a few blocks from the school, about 3:30pm on Thursday.

“The owner of the vehicle interrupted the man who then fled on foot,” they said.

“Police are conducting patrols to locate the man at this time.

“No injuries were reported, and investigations are ongoing.”

In his text, Fogarty said the incident was a good reminder to parents not to leave their children in the car.

“Things can happen very quickly, and a school we are a little vulnerable given our location on a busy road,” he said.

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