CLAREMONT, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A report of students possibly carrying a handgun led to a lockdown at Stevens High School Tuesday afternoon, prompting a large law enforcement response. Authorities later determined the firearm was fake, and four juveniles were taken into custody.

According to Claremont police, school staff alerted authorities just before 1 p.m. after suspecting students were armed. In response, the high school was immediately placed on lockdown, and other schools in the district were secured as a precaution.

Officers from multiple agencies arrived on the scene and conducted a systematic search of the building. During their search, they located the four students involved and recovered the imitation firearm. Because the individuals are minors, their identities have not been released.

After law enforcement completed a room-by-room sweep, the lockdown was lifted. Before students were dismissed for the day, school staff provided a debriefing on the incident.

The Claremont Police Department expressed gratitude to several agencies that assisted, including the Charlestown and Newport Police Departments, New Hampshire State Police, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Claremont Fire Department, and Golden Cross Ambulance, among others.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Claremont Police Sergeant Trevor Dickerman at 542-7010.