Pupils were told to hide under desks at a Brighton school this morning after it went into lockdown because of an unauthorised person on school grounds.
Scores of pupils are reportedly being taken home from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) by their parents after the incident.
Police say that no one was found after they searched the school.
Unconfirmed reports from parents suggest that the incident, which is now over, involved a BB gun and a knife.
The school remains open and says that all students are safe to continue the day.
One parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “The kids were in lockdown, school took action quickly to ensure the safety of students.
“The children were told to sit underneath the tables and remain in classrooms until the situation was resolved.”
In a letter sent to parents, vice principal Ms Smithson said: “An individual who should not have been on the premises was seen on school grounds.
“The safety of all our students is our top priority and we took immediate action, ensuring the school was safe and secure and calling for police to attend.
“The incident was dealt with swiftly and we have been given the go ahead by police to get back to business as usual.
“Please be advised that further information will come out shortly but rest assured that all students are safe to continue at school the rest of the day.”
Another parent, Jack Moxley, said: “We heard about half an hour after it was over, so they dealt with it quickly.
“I’d much rather they lockdown the school first and then tell us parents after the fact.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Police responded to a report at around 9.30am this morning (23 February) of an unauthorised person attempting to access the grounds of Brighton Aldridge Community Academy in Lewes Road, Brighton.
“Safeguarding procedures ensured the school was secured while officers attended and carried out a search.
“No-one was located in or around the school grounds and the school was reopened a short while later.
“Enquiries are underway to establish the circumstances and officers remain at the scene at this time.”
as a student at this school, I can confirm other students did not hide underneath desks, we just simply talked and they reported that there was a guy on campus at exactly 9:50
Well that’s rubbish. My year 7 daughter class had to hide under the desks. There is even footage of it on Snapchat
Project fear begins at school it seems.