Live: Schools 'on lockdown' in Wigan as armed police called to firearms report

A number of schools were put in lockdowns in Wigan on Wednesday afternoon with a police helicopter called to the area following an emergency alert.

Police confirmed they were called to the Gerard Street area of Ashton-in-Makerfield following reports of a suspicious male. It's understood a number of local schools were placed into lockdown safety procedures with children locked inside.

One parent claimed her child at Byrchall High School, on Warrington Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, was among those 'hiding' inside amid the incident in the town centre. It's understood police attended the school earlier today among others.

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Police remain in attendance in the area following the earlier incident. Officers and the police helicopter attended the location and conducted an area search throughout the afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for a full statement.

This is a breaking incident. Updates to follow.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 3.15pm today we were called to reports of a suspected firearms sighting on Gerard Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield.

"No injuries have been reported.

"Armed officers were deployed to the area with a high visibility of neighbourhood patrols.

"Two men were stopped and searched with no firearms located."

No arrestes have been made in connection with the incident, the force added.

A message was sent to parents and carers regarding children being put in lockdown at Byrchall High School earlier today.

The message below said the phones were out of service and that all pupils still inside the school were safe and being supervised by staff.

Byrchall High