OBSERVER Photos by M.J. Stafford

Dunkirk’s secondary school was on lockdown this morning for approximately 20 minutes, according to the school district’s communications director.

“The school’s lockdown notification system was accidentally triggered,” Jennifer Westerholt said. “However, the Dunkirk Police Department quickly determined that no immediate threat was detected. At no time was the safety of students, faculty or staff at risk.”

Westerholt added, “Students and faculty immediately returned to their regular schedule as soon as the lockdown protocols were lifted.”

This marks the second December lockdown for the school which educates Dunkirk district students in grades seven through 12. On Dec. 5, a loose basketball allegedly hit an alarm and caused a 10-minute lockdown.

This time, no reason was given for the accidental triggering of the lockdown system.