A man was seen with what is believed to have been a gun walking towards a Weymouth school.

Witnesses claimed they heard “gunshots” and parents reported receiving emails from nearby schools with buildings said to “be on lockdown”.

A local man was later arrested by Dorset Police on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

The school is not believed to be Bincombe Valley School, which is near to where a man was arrested. 

Residents were left concerned for their safety with one saying she first found out after seeing a post on facebook and receiving “multiple phone calls” checking on her safety.

She said: “I was absolutely horrified and immediately concerned for the safety of my family: I asked them not to leave the house.

“There was a heavy police presence on the ground, and the helicopter was out, which was reassuring.

Dorset Police received reports of a man in possession of a handgun in Culliford Way, Weymouth at 2.31pm and carried out searches of the area. 

Several police cars were seen on the ground and officers were assisted by the NPAS police helicopter.

Two police cars were later seen in Culliford Way as officers were carrying out door to door enquiries in the area following the incident.

The police presence lasted around three hours with officers departing shortly before 6pm.

Councillor Mark Tewkesbury, who represents the Littlemoor constituency for Weymouth Town Council, said the incident was “shocking” but praised the police for their quick response.

He said: “It is absolutely shocking that this has happened on my ward but the speed of the police response is reassuring.

“We can’t thank them enough for getting to the scene and making the arrest as quickly as they did.”