Police have arrested three people after they were spotted with fake guns near a primary school, prompting it to go into lockdown.

A police spokeswoman said officers found two imitation firearms at a property on Roberts Rd after they were called to the Te Atatū South street about 1.26pm.

Freyburg Community School went into a self-initiated lockdown.

A staff member of the school saw “some young men at a property next door to the school ... filming themselves while playing with toy guns in their yard”, principal Maria Dopheide said.

 “We immediately contacted the ... police and entered the school into a site-wide lockdown,” she said.

“All children remained indoors and were accounted for. We have spoken with all children ... to assure them that they remained safe at all times and that they were not in any danger.

“There is no need to panic, collect your children early, or ring the office and overload our phone lines. We will keep you updated,” Dopheide said.

The Herald has approached the school for further comment.

Police inquiries are ongoing.