Armed police have stormed a school in Germany following reports of a knifeman on the loose. The school, in the city of Wuppertal, has been put on lockdown, with videos showing a heavy police response.
Police cars are parked along the road, with the scene taped off as videos show armed officers in protective helmets entering the building.
Police were tipped off by an anonymous caller that a “suspicious person” had entered the school premises.
The call came through to police shortly after 10am German time.
A police spokesperson said: “As usual after such information, we are on site with stronger forces to ensure security and check whether there is anything to it.”
The use of special forces is common in such cases.
A police spokeswoman added that there would be severe traffic disruptions due to the heavy security presence.
She advised the public to avoid the area around Sedanstrasse in Wuppertal -Barmen.
Students barricaded themselves into their classrooms during the incident.
Some were supposed to be sitting A level exams today in biology, chemistry, physics and computer science.
Many have been left deeply shaken by the ordeal, with several crying in front of the high school.
Worried parents quickly arrived on the scene, along with rescue workers and emergency pastors.
The high school consists of four interconnected buildings. The complex includes two gyms.
This is the second major school incident in Wuppertal over the last few weeks.
In February four students were wounded in a stabbing at the Wilhelm Dörpfeld high school.
The attack was apparently carried out with a knife by a 17-year-old from the school.
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