Armed police have reportedly put two schools in Chichester on lockdown as they hunt a man believed to be in possession of a weapon.
Chichester High School confirmed it was on lockdown while officers searched for the suspect, with a police helicopter circling above the city.
Parents have also revealed that Portfield Primary Academy kept students inside the school as the drama unfolded.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "We are responding to a report of a man seen with a suspected weapon in the vicinity of Litten Gardens, Chichester at 2pm on Friday (28 May).
"Enquiries to locate the suspect are underway - please avoid the area.
"We're working with partners including local schools to take safety precautions while we investigate this report.
"Thank you to the public for for their patience and understanding while we carry out this work."
Thomas Brixey, deputy head of Chichester High School, said students have now been released from the lockdown.
Earlier today he confirmed on social media that police told the school to stop students from leaving, the Chichester Observer reports.
He said: "We have been advised by the Police that due to an incident in Chichester this afternoon the school needs to be placed into lockdown.
"This means that students are not allowed to leave the site. All children are safe in their classrooms and the school site is safe. Parents should stay off the school site and avoid ringing the school.
"When we have any update we will notify again via ParentMail and ClassCharts.
"Can I re-iterate, please DO NOT ring the school, we need the phone lines free."
In an updated statement, Mr Brixey said: "We have now let students leave the school site. This follows confirmation from Sussex Police that it is safe for children to travel home. The Police advice is that students go straight home.
"Please do not ring the school so that our phone lines can remain clear.
"This was not an incident linked to Chichester High School but the wider Chichester area.
"Thank you for your support. As we know more we will update you as appropriate. "
Parents shared their anguish about the situation on social media and posted conflicting reports about the 'weapon' the man was allegedly carrying.
One mum tweeted: "Portfield Primary School students not allowed out of school due to an incident and armed police by hospital apparently.
"And high school now too, parents been told to come in so they can lock doors. One person saying man with shot gun and another saying knife. Armed police swarming Chichester."
The Kemnal Academies Trust, which runs Portfield Primary Academy, has been approached for comment.
