‘GUNMAN on loose’ in Westminster – SHOTS FIRED as armed police rush to Maida Hill school

Armed officers are hunting a suspect in the area around the Kennet West Skills Centre with the help of a police helicopter.

A witness who was inside the school when the gunfire erupted said he saw who he believed to be the shooter enter the building.

Nick Purnell described the terrifying moment he was forced to hide in a cupboard after hearing gunshots.

The 42-year-old told MailOnine: “It was a heart-pumping moment. My first reaction was to duck, but then I realised there was glass in front of us so I had to run.

“There were three of us working in one of the classrooms at the time and we all just ran out.

“My mate hid in a disabled toilet while me and the caretaker hid in the cupboard, and that’s where I called the police.

“We waited until police arrived at the scene but then we managed to get out.”

Part of Kennet Road road has been locked down by police as armed officers surround the school.

Police say no-one was injured in the shooting but officers had found evidence a gun had been fired.

Another witness took to Twitter to share their account of the ongoing incident.

The user with the handle The Real Maida Hill said: “Locals also report that the gunman ran into the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School, #MaidaHill where the crime scene is currently in place.

“Several reports now confirm that a #firearm has been discharged and the assailant has run into the #MaidaHill school.

“Armed police on the ground and helicopter in the skies.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers with the support of the National Police Air Service are searching the area.

“Enquiries continue.”

More to follow…