A school has issued a statement after an armed police incident forced it into lockdown.

Chichester High School in Kingsham Road, Chichester, said a young person, who does not attend the school, gained access to the school grounds yesterday after being pursued by police.

The school implemented its lockdown procedures while police dealt with the incident, lifting them shortly after the person left the grounds 20 minutes later.

The person did not enter the school building.

The full statement from co-headteachers Naomi Lewry and Nicholas Taylor reads: “There was an incident earlier today when a youth (not enrolled in the school) gained access to the wider grounds of Chichester High School having been part of a group of youths pursued on foot by police through Chichester.

“We implemented our lockdown procedures as a precautionary measure.

“The youth was on site for a maximum of 20 minutes, with the police present the whole time and there was no attempt to gain access to the school buildings.

“The youth then left the site as the police continued to pursue them. The lockdown was lifted shortly afterwards following police guidance.

“We understand that any lockdown processes can be unsettling, however we would like to reassure you that the safeguarding and welfare of our students and staff remains our highest priority.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our students back into school tomorrow.

“Should any students have any worries or concerns we have a number of staff members available to speak with them; tutors, wellbeing and safeguarding leads in addition to pastoral team members who will be happy to support.”

Bishop Luffa School also went into lockdown Police also reported attending Bishop Luffa School (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) Sussex Police also said they attended Bishop Luffa School in Westgate, Chichester, after a report of disorder at around 2.35pm.

A spokesman for the force said: "Due to the nature of the report, armed officers were deployed to the scene and carried out an extensive search of the area.

“No weapons were seen and no injuries were reported.

"Our enquiries are ongoing at this time, and officers will remain in the area for community reassurance.

"In the meantime, anyone with any information or footage of the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 790 of 16/10."

Sussex Police and Bishop Luffa School have been contacted for further information.