Schools placed on lockdown after report of suspected gunman

Schools were put on lockdown after reports a person was seen with a suspected firearm in Bognor Regis on Wednesday.

Sussex Police advised schools, including Regis School, to implement temporary lockdown procedures as armed police rushed to the reported scene on the Firth Road in the seaside town.

The report was made around 11.10am. A police spokesman said measures had since been lifted at all schools but a search operation was continuing in the area. No arrests were reported by police.

One mother wrote on Facebook: “This [The Regis School] He was quarantined as a safety precaution. So they closed the school but parents were able to pick up their children. Just like I did. “The police were there and they were at other schools as well.”

A police spokesman said: “Police received reports of a man seen with a suspected firearm on Frith Road, Bognor.

“Due to the proximity of nearby schools, police advised them to follow temporary lockdown procedures while the area was searched.

“All schools have since reopened and there remains a visible police presence in the area.

“Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 using reference 450 of 22/10. In an emergency always call 999.”

Independent Contacted Regis School for comment.