Chaos hit Bognor Regis this morning after a man was spotted carrying a gun near a local school, sparking panic across the seaside town. Pupils were locked down for hours inside a nearby leisure centre, with some breaking down in tears and struggling to reach their frantic parents.
Armed Police Swarm Bognor Regis as Schools Lock Down
Sussex Police stormed the West Sussex neighbourhood after receiving reports around 11.10am of a man carrying a suspected firearm near Frith Road. Armed officers and sniffer dogs launched a search operation, forcing nearby schools into lockdown to keep children safe.
The hunt for the suspect is still underway. No arrests have been made yet, but police maintain a strong presence in the area amid ongoing fears.
Pupils Trapped, Parents in Tears
The Regis School, with nearly 1,600 pupils, was heavily impacted. Students were confined inside the Arena Sports Centre for up to three hours during the lockdown.
“The whole school has just been placed in full lockdown. I went to collect my children and they were hysterical. Kids were stuck in the leisure centre for two or three hours. They tried calling us but then got told off for using their phones,” said one distraught parent.
Parents described scenes of panic as some children even tried climbing fences to escape the tense situation. While many praised the calm and professional response of school staff and police, the ordeal clearly rattled families.
Schools Reopen as Police Continue the Search
Following thorough searches, all schools nearby have now reopened. Regis School released a statement praising students and staff for their calm and mature behaviour throughout.
“To reassure parents, the incident was not school-related and we continued with a normal school day. Students behaved perfectly, and staff showed great leadership and support,” said a school spokeswoman.
Sussex Police are appealing for anyone with information or footage to come forward, quoting reference 450 of 22/10.
