Parents have told how pupils were forced to hide under desks after a 'gun' threat sent a school into lockdown today.
Worried relatives rushed to the gates after armed police were called to Golborne High School in Wigan.
Classes were halted at 10.40am after online threats from someone claiming to have a gun and targeting the school.
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One parent told the M.E.N that pupils were told to cower under desks with the lights off.
They said: “I left work and rushed down here. My boss has a child that goes here so we all came down.
“My son said they were told to hide under the desks and stay quiet, the lights were switched off and they were like that for two hours.”
Another parent described the ordeal as ‘scary’ after immediately calling their child and receiving no response.
They said: “I had no idea what was going on."
A crowd of panic-stricken parents gathered outside the school gates waiting to collect their children who had been let out early.
One added: “I was with my wife at home and we got a call that something had happened so I shot down here.”
The school was placed under lockdown as a precaution while armed police searched the scene.
Chief Inspector Liz Sanderson, of GMPs Wigan Division, said: "Armed officers have been deployed to the scene and the school has been locked down as a precaution.
"The threats were made over the internet and no-one has approached the area with a firearm.
"I'd like to reassure the public that officers will remain at the scene while we investigate."
GMP later confirmed they believe the threat - from someone claiming to have a gun and targeting the school - was a hoax.
Some police remained at the scene while the last batch of pupils were let out from the school.
Golborne High School have been approached for comment.
A GMP spokesman said: "At around 10.42am today (22 November 2021), police were called to reports that an individual was making threats to Golborne High School, Golborne, claiming they were in possession of a firearm.
"Armed officers have been deployed to the scene and the school has been locked down as a precaution.
"The threats were made over the internet and no-one has approached the area with a firearm."
A force spokesman later added: "Police received a report online of what is now believed to be a hoax, from an individual claiming that they were going to attend a school on Lowton Road, Golborne, in possession of a firearm.
"Officers attended and it was established that there was no one with a firearm present in the area. Enquiries are ongoing."
