How staff saved six kids from childcare centre intruder

Six children were waiting to be picked up by their families when a man broke into a childcare centre, self-harmed, and was involved in a confrontation with police before he died.

The 28-year-old forced his way into the Habitat Early Learning centre in Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, after 6pm on Monday, while six children and five staff members were in the building.

The centre said security measures, including fingerprint scanners, prevented the man from entering immediately.

This gave staff enough time to follow safety protocols and hide the children in a secure location.

“Our staff at Habitat Peregian Springs are commended for their quick thinking and courage in handling last night’s tragic incident,” the centre said in a statement.

Habitat said the man was not known to any staff or families, and the children did not see the incident unfolding after he first tried to enter the building.

Officers called to the scene tried to take the man into custody.

First aid was administered and an ambulance was called, but he died at the centre.

Police would not comment on reports the man was tasered before his death.

Michael Boulton, whose 13-year-old daughter, August, was working at the centre at the time, told A Current Affair on Tuesday she secured herself in a cleaner’s room during the incident, “in one of the safest, quietest parts of the Sunshine Coast”.

He said he and other parents picking up children could see the 28-year-old, who “obviously had some issues – very distressed, very upset – and there was all hope that once everyone was safe, he could be negotiated with and brought to some care, but that wasn’t to be, unfortunately”.

“It’s heartbreaking.”

Boulton said the intruder entered through the “fairly substantial” front door after breaking the glass, but staff and children were behind a second layer of fingerprint secured doors.

“To have the responsibility to protect those little kids on your shoulders … it must have been terrifying.”

The proud father also praised the staff and his “amazing” daughter for making “the best possible set of decisions”.

The company thanked Queensland Police, “who responded within minutes to resolve the situation”, and said counselling was being provided to all staff, children and parents involved.

“The centre will remain closed for several days as we work with police,” the statement said.

The incident was being investigated by the Ethical Standards Command, which is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek described it as a “particularly traumatic experience”.

“I think those early childhood teachers and educators are heroes,” he said.

“Any counselling service that is needed will be provided ... from the briefing I’ve had, I understand that those educators have done an amazing job.”

The Peregian Springs centre opened in 2023 and is the first Montessori-only daycare run by Habitat Early Learning.

Habitat is a small Queensland-based chain, which also has centres in the Brisbane suburbs of Nundah and Ferny Grove.

If you, or someone you know, needs support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.