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ARMED police closed a busy West London street after shots were fired outside a school on Monday.

A terrified witness has told how staff were forced to hide in a classroom cupboard after hearing three shots in Maida Hill.

An armed officer was seen crouching outside the school in West London today
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An armed officer was seen crouching outside the school in West London today

Dramatic photos show gun cops surrounding the entrance to Kennet West Skills Centre at about 4.10pm.

Nick Purnell, 42, who was working inside the school at the time of the shooting, told : "It was a heart-pumping moment.

"My first reaction was to duck, but then I realised there was glass in front of us so I had to run.

"There were three of us working in one of the classrooms at the time and we all just ran out.

A car is taken away from the scene
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A car is taken away from the scene
A crashed white car is cordoned off by cops investigating the shooting
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A crashed white car is cordoned off by cops investigating the shootingCredit: �2018 Gustavo Valiente / i-Images
The incident was stood down after no suspects were found and no one was injured
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The incident was stood down after no suspects were found and no one was injuredCredit: �2018 Gustavo Valiente / i-Images
A firearm was discharged near a school in Maida Hill in Westminster on Monday afternoon where people were forced to take cover, witnesses said
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A firearm was discharged near a school in Maida Hill in Westminster on Monday afternoon where people were forced to take cover, witnesses saidCredit: The Mega Agency
Witnesses reported hearing three shots outside the Kennet West Skills Centre, a vocation skills centre for students with learning difficulties next to the school
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Witnesses reported hearing three shots outside the Kennet West Skills Centre, a vocation skills centre for students with learning difficulties next to the schoolCredit: The Mega Agency

"My mate hid in a disabled toilet while me and the caretaker hid in the cupboard, and that's where I called the police. "

No students were in the school at the time but contractors were working in classrooms when the drama unfolded at about 4.10pm.

Police say nobody was injured in the shooting.

The suspect is believed to have fled the scene and no arrests have been made.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police were called on Monday, 20 August at around 16:10hrs to reports of shots fired in Kennet Road, Westminster W9. Officers and armed officers attended.

Police cars outside the school following the 'drive-by' shooting in Maida Hill, West London
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Police cars outside the school following the 'drive-by' shooting in Maida Hill, West LondonCredit: Lumiere Digital

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"No reported injuries. Evidence of a firearm discharge was found.

"Officers with the support of the National Police Air Service are searching the area.

"No arrests. Enquiries continue."

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