Armed police hunt for man wielding a machete after nearby school is locked down

Armed police are on the hunt for man wielding a machete as a nearby school has been locked down to keep children safe.

Students at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy were kept inside while officers, assisted by a helicopter, searched the area, Sussex Police said.

The force received a report of a man with a weapon in woodland in Lewes Road just before 3pm on Thursday.

Armed police are on the hunt for man wielding a machete as a nearby school has been locked down to keep children safe

Students at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy were kept inside while officers, assisted by a helicopter, searched the area, Sussex Police said

The force received a report of a man with a weapon in woodland in Lewes Road just before 3pm on Thursday

Children were escorted out of the school by officers and told to avoid the woodlands where the suspected was reported to be on their way home. 

Police are continuing to search the area and carry out inquiries.

More follows.