Chichester school in lockdown following armed police incident

A National Police Air Service helicopter has been circling the city centre for the since about 2.30pm and armed police have been spotted in Priory Park.

Chichester High School has announced it has gone into a lockdown following an incident this afternoon.

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. 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."

Sussex Police has been apporoached for more information. For updates check our website.