Chichester emergency: Police swarm and detain suspect after search for 'man with shotgun'
POLICE have detained a man in Chichester after a manhunt was launched following reports of a man with a shotgun in the Litten Gardens area.
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Sussex Police confirmed the suspect was near two schools in the area and has seen been detained. They said in a statement: "Officers have now detained a man in relation to the incident. As the suspect was reported to be near two schools, we worked with them to take precautions to keep pupils and staff safe while we investigated the report. No threats were made and no one was harmed.
"We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we responded to this fast-moving incident. "
A Sussex Police spokesperson earlier said: “We're responding to a report of a man seen in possession of a suspected weapon in the vicinity of Litten Gardens, Chichester.
“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.”
Update #Chichester
— Sussex Incidents - Breaking News for Sussex (@SussexIncidents) May 28, 2021
Due to a Police incident in the area we been advised by parents Portfield Primary School students not allowed to currently leave the school.
Armed police have been spotted near by and by the Hospital. pic.twitter.com/AUMnA5LmWM
Chichester High School announced it went into a lockdown following the incident.
Posting a message to parents on social media, deputy headteacher Tom Brixey 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.
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"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."
The students have since been allowed out but the school urged students to go home immediately.
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The headteacher added: "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. "
Chichester College tweeted: "We are aware of an ongoing incident in Chichester this afternoon.
"The police are asking everyone to avoid the area.
"Please be extra vigilant on your journey home."
Chichester College tweeted: "We are aware of an ongoing incident in Chichester this afternoon.
"The police are asking everyone to avoid the area.
"Please be extra vigilant on your journey home."