A number of schools were put in lockdowns in Wigan on Wednesday afternoon with a police helicopter called to the area following an emergency alert.
Police confirmed they were called to the Gerard Street area of Ashton-in-Makerfield following reports of a suspicious male. It's understood a number of local schools were placed into lockdown safety procedures with children locked inside.
One parent claimed her child at Byrchall High School, on Warrington Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, was among those 'hiding' inside amid the incident in the town centre. It's understood police attended the school earlier today among others.
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Police remain in attendance in the area following the earlier incident. Officers and the police helicopter attended the location and conducted an area search throughout the afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for a full statement.
This is a breaking incident. Updates to follow.
Key Events
- Full police statement after armed officers and helicopter deployed
- Message from local school as parents and carers told of 'lockdown' incident
KEY EVENT
Full police statement after armed officers and helicopter deployed
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 3.15pm today we were called to reports of a suspected firearms sighting on Gerard Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield.
"No injuries have been reported.
"Armed officers were deployed to the area with a high visibility of neighbourhood patrols.
"Two men were stopped and searched with no firearms located."
No arrestes have been made in connection with the incident, the force added.
KEY EVENT
Message from local school as parents and carers told of 'lockdown' incident
A message was sent to parents and carers regarding children being put in lockdown at Byrchall High School earlier today.
The message below said the phones were out of service and that all pupils still inside the school were safe and being supervised by staff.
James Holt
Local schools reportedly shut down after police alert today
Byrchall High School, Cansfield, and St Oswald’s RC Primary, were among the local schools thought to have been put into lockdown procedures today after police were contacted about a suspected gunman.
One parent told the M.E.N their step-daughter attends a local school. She said 'nobody could get near the school' with students 'hiding inside' amid the large police response today.
James Holt
Nearby shops also 'put on lockdown'
According to people in the area, local shops close to Gerard Street were also closed temporarily this afternoon.
It followed reports that were made to police about a man being seen with a gun close by to the Gerard Centre at around 3.15pm.
Police remain in attendance this afternoon, with visibile patrols continuing into this evening.
James Holt
Reports of 'firearm' near shops sparks school chaos
Reports of a firearm being seen in the area sparked chaos towards the end of the school day today, it's been confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police said they were called to reports of a suspected firearm sighting along Gerard Street, in the town centre.
Armed officers along with high-visibility patrols were called to the area. Officers are continuing to patrol Gerard Street and the nearby shopping park car park.
James Holt
Schools near Ashton-in-Makerfield town centre 'put into lockdown'
It's understood a number of local schools were put into lockdown earlier this afternoon following a suspicious incident in the town centre.
Police said they were called to a 'suspicious male' at around 3.15pm near to the car park and that a large presence raced to the scene along with a police helicopter.
