Sussex Police have confirmed that a suspected firearm sighting was just a 14-year-old boy in fancy dress carrying a toy gun.

Schools lockdown after toy gun alert

Officers rushed to Frith Road, Bognor Regis at around 11.10am on Wednesday 22 October following calls from worried locals.

As a safety measure, several nearby schools briefly locked down while searches were carried out. All schools later reopened once the situation was clarified.

Chief Inspector reassures the public

“I’d like to reassure the community that we have identified the person involved, a 14-year-old local boy wearing fancy dress,” said Chief Inspector Dave Groombridge.

“He was carrying a toy gun and no offensive weapons were found. We have visited him and his family.

“We appreciate the concern caused but those who called it in did so with the best intentions. Public safety is our priority, and multiple units were deployed due to the nature of calls received.

“I’m pleased to confirm there is no threat to the wider community.”