Oranga Tamariki staff in Papanui were placed into lockdown following a reported threat.

A police spokesperson told ChrisLynchMedia.com officers were responding to a report of a verbal threat made towards an organisation on Langdons Road.

It’s understood the threat was made some time this afternoon.

Police said inquiries into the validity of the threat were ongoing.

Ministry of Social Development Canterbury Regional Commissioner Angela Talbot said “we can confirm that the Papanui Service Centre went into precautionary lockdown earlier this afternoon following a threat.

Police were called and site reopened just before 4pm.”

“All staff and clients were safe. As this is a police matter we are unable to comment further” Talbot said.