Three schools have been locked down due to a gunman on the loose following a shooting in Bristol.
Police say a victim has been taken to hospital with a potentially life-changing injury after a gun was fired in the Speedwell area of the city this afternoon.
The shooter remains at large and a large police manhunt is now underway.
As a precaution, three nearby schools have been put on lockdown with pupils not allowed to leave the sites.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called at 1.47pm to a report that a gun had been fired at a car in Speedwell Road in Speedwell.
Firearms officers attended to support emergency services at the scene where a man in his twenties was taken to hospital with a serious injury. No other injuries have been reported.
Officers say an investigation is underway to identify the man responsible who left in the direction of Soundwell on a black and grey electric bike.
He was described as being white, aged in his late teens or early twenties, of slim build, and about 6ft. He was wearing a grey hoodie, black trousers and a balaclava.
Three schools have been locked down due to a gunman on the loose after a shooting in Bristol
Police say a victim has been taken to hospital with a potentially life-changing injury after a gun was fired in the Speedwell area of the city this afternoon
Chief Insp James Clements said: ‘I know this incident will be incredibly concerning.
‘However, we are deploying significant resources including a National Police Air Service helicopter and our specially-trained firearms officers as we work to locate the person responsible.
‘The victim has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for an injury that’s potentially life-changing, but not believed to be life-threatening.
‘His family have been informed and will be kept updated as our investigation progresses.
‘There is likely to be a significant police presence in the area over the coming days while our investigation continues. Neighbourhood officers will also be carrying out extra patrols and anyone with any concerns can speak with them about these.’
The air ambulance was first seen landing at Barton Fields Park at about 2.30pm.
A police helicopter has also been seen circling over the city for an hour and a half.
Three schools including Bristol Brunel Academy, Two Mile Hill Primary School and Chester Park Infant School were all put into lockdown as a precaution.
Three nearby schools have been put on lockdown with pupils not allowed to leave the sites
Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called at 1.47pm to a report that a gun had been fired at a car in Speedwell Road in the Bristol district of Speedwell
Police have said they knew the incident would be ‘incredibly concerning’ for local residents
Police vehicles were seen at the scene, while a police helicopter circled the city overhead
In an email to parents, Two Mile Hill Primary School said: ‘Due to a serious incident in the local area, Two Mile Hill Primary has been placed into lockdown as a precaution. During this time, no one will be able to enter or leave the school site.
‘We understand that this is very close to the end of the school day and may cause inconvenience; however, the safety and security of our pupils and wider community is our highest priority.
‘We will provide further updates as soon as we are able.’
Bristol Brunel Academy said it was being led by police and told parents in an update: ‘We are still in a precautionary lockdown following police advice.
‘Please do not worry, this is a precaution only and we are waiting to hear further instructions. All staff and students are safe.
‘We have been advised by police to remain in lockdown due to the incident in the local community. Staff and students remain in the Academy and we will await further updates from police.’
Avon and Somerset Police said anyone who witnessed the incident, had any footage of it or any other information should call police on 101.
