Armed police called to reports of shots fired and knifeman at large near Walthamstow school

Armed police were called to reports of shots fired and a man in possession of a large knife near a school in north London today.

Scotland Yard confirmed that children were kept behind at Roger Ascham Primary School in Walthamstow "as a precaution" after officers were called at around 3pm today.

A witness tweeted: "Walthamstow has gone insane. Wigton Rd taped off with police helicopters circling, and part of Blackhorse Road closed with armed police."

A spokeswoman said: "Police were called at around 3pm to a report of a shot fired in the area of Billet Road in Walthamstow.

"There were also reports of a man in possession of a large knife.

"At this stage there is no evidence of shots fired or any injuries."

The Met said there had been no arrests.