POLICE officers are outside a Bolton school this morning after a gun scare.

Armed police were called to Weston Street, close to Bolton Islamic Girls School, yesterday evening after receiving reports of a man carrying a firearm.

The man had left the scene before police arrived and no arrests have been made.

Fortunately, nobody was injured in the incident but police are continuing to search the area.

Residents also reported seeing a police helicopter circling above the street.

The school opened as normal on Wednesday morning, although police officers were at the scene to reassure parents and pupils.

A teacher at the school said: "We have been told the school is open as usual and not to panic because everything should be fine as usual."

In a statement, police said: "Shortly after 5.15pm on Tuesday police received a report of a man in possession of a firearm on Weston Street.

"Officers attended and conducted a search of the area. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the man.

"No persons have been injured."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact 101 or the Live Chat feature on www.gmp.police.uk.