A primary school lockdown was lifted this afternoon as police said there was no evidence to substantiate concerns about suspected gunshots in the area.

There had been a significant police presence in Pembroke, as officers responded to reports of suspicious noises in the vicinity of Victor Scott School.

The Bermuda Police Service said this afternoon that at about 1pm, officers responded to a 911 call reporting two loud noises in the area of The Glebe Road, Pembroke.

They added: “The caller expressed concerns that the noises may have been gunshots.

“However, after officers patrolled the surrounding area, nothing was found to substantiate those concerns.

“Additionally, checks at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital revealed that no one had attended the medical facility seeking treatment for any gunshot-related injury.

“The Bermuda Police Service appreciates the anxiety such incidents can create and encourages members of the public to report any similar occurrences immediately and to refrain from spreading rumours regarding such matters.”

Police vehicles were earlier seen in the area of the school, on The Glebe Road, as well as around Field View Lane and Friswells Hill.

A statement from the Government at about 2.40pm explained: “The Department of Education advises that Victor Scott School has activated its lockdown procedures following reports of suspected gunshots in the vicinity of the campus.

“The safety and wellbeing of students and staff remain our highest priority.

“School administrators are working closely with the relevant authorities, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that students and staff are secure while the situation is being assessed.

“Parents and guardians will continue to receive updates through official school communication channels as more information becomes available.

“We urge the public to avoid speculation and to allow the authorities to carry out their investigations.

“The department appreciates the co-operation and understanding of the school community during this time.”

A government spokeswoman said at about 3pm that the lockdown was lifted.

A woman who asked to remain anonymous came to pick up her grandchild, in P6, at 3.30pm.

She said: “I heard that something had taken place in the area, but I didn’t know the school was on lockdown.

“I was very concerned when I learnt about it. I understood it took place in the area, near the top of the hill, not near the school.”