'Active shooter' at University of North Carolina after gunman spotted in the chemistry block – as students and staff told to 'go inside, avoid windows'

The University of North Carolina has gone into lockdown after reports of an ‘active shooter’ in the chemistry building.

Authorities and UNC issued a warning for an ‘armed and dangerous person’ in the vicinity of the school’s Caudill Labs in North Carolina. 

It is unclear if a suspect has been apprehended, with witnesses claiming to have heard ‘multiple shots’. 

The alert was issued at 1pm, with police advising staff, faculty and students to shelter inside until further notice. 

Lecturer Noel Brewer said that his office was ‘on lockdown’ because of an ‘active shooter somewhere nearby’. 

He said: ‘On lockdown in my office with staff and colleagues. Active shooter somewhere nearby. Perhaps near genome sciences. I heard that a student was shot’.

This is a developing story.