Schools Locked Down After Toy Gun Scare In Bognor Regis

Schools in Bognor Regis were placed into temporary lockdown on Wednesday morning (22 October) after reports of a suspected gunman – which later turned out to be a 14-year-old boy in fancy dress carrying a toy gun.

Police were called to Frith Road at around 11:10am, with multiple units, including armed officers, responding to the incident.

Nearby schools were advised to lock down as a precaution while officers searched the area.

Chief Inspector Dave Groombridge from Sussex Police said:

“We have identified the person involved as a 14-year-old local boy who was wearing fancy dress.

"We’ve visited him and his family, and confirmed he was carrying a toy gun – not an offensive weapon.”

He added that while the reports understandably caused concern, members of the public acted “with the best intentions.”

Police confirmed there was no threat to the wider community, and schools were allowed to reopen shortly afterwards.