Brighton Aldridge Community Academy on Lewes Road, Brighton has been closed amid reports of a man carrying a weapon close by.
A helicopter has also been sent to the area in order to find the man.
Pictures from the scene show police talking to pupils of the school after they evacuated the premises.
Sussex Police were called to the scene at 2.55pm amid claims a man was in possession of a weapon.
Police have now confirmed a search is underway following reports of a man carrying a machete.
The police have also escorted the pupils of the school’s premises while that search is underway.
People in the area have been told to avoid the are while the police continue the search.
A spokeswoman for the Sussex Police said: “We responded to a report of a man believed to be in possession of a machete in a woodland area in Lewes Road, Brighton, at 2.55pm today.
“A search of the area is continuing by officers and the police helicopter is assisting. Students at nearby Brighton Aldridge Community Academy were kept inside the school as a precaution. No one was threatened or harmed.
“They have now been escorted out of the school by officers to return home safely and told to avoid the woodland area where the suspect was reported to be.”
Some parents have also stated their children have remained locked inside the school for safety.
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”I live nearby and I can hear the helicopter going around.
“All the kids are sitting in a semi circle and the teachers are talking to them.
“I do feel worried knowing he’s down there.”
The incident is currently ongoing with police still searching for the man.
Parents were allegedly notified of the event via a text message earlier today.
More to follow…
