A secondary school in Bognor Regis was thrown into chaos on Wednesday afternoon as armed police officers rushed to the scene following alarming reports of a potential firearms threat.
The sudden police response prompted an immediate lockdown at The Regis School, located on Westloats Lane, with students and staff instructed to remain inside classrooms while specialist officers secured the area.
Rapid Armed Response
Sussex Police confirmed they received reports of a suspected gunman near the school premises just after midday. Multiple police units, including armed response teams, were dispatched to assess what was described as a "serious and credible threat."
Local residents reported seeing a significant police presence with officers establishing a security cordon around the school grounds. Parents gathering outside expressed anxiety as they awaited information about their children's safety.
School Community in Lockdown
School administrators activated their emergency protocols, keeping students secured within the building while police conducted thorough searches of the surrounding area. The lockdown remained in effect for several hours as officers worked to verify the nature of the threat.
One parent, who asked not to be named, told reporters: "We received a text from the school saying they were in lockdown due to a police incident. It's every parent's worst nightmare hearing armed police are at your child's school."
Police Investigation Continues
While the immediate threat was eventually downgraded, police maintained a presence in the area throughout the afternoon. Investigators are now working to determine the credibility of the original report and whether any individual posed a genuine risk to the school community.
A Sussex Police spokesperson stated: "We take all reports of this nature with the utmost seriousness. The safety of students and staff remains our primary concern as we continue our investigations into this incident."
