03 April 2024 , 02:55
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North Carolina Central University is on lockdown after a shooting at a halls of residence tonight, it has been confirmed, as police urge students to avoid the area.
A shelter in place has been ordered amid reports of an armed person, possibly with a firearm. An email has reportedly been sent to students and staff saying there is an "armed and dangerous person" on a nearby street. It adds: "Campus on lockdown. Shelter in place until further notification."
The Durham Police Department said in a statement: "North Carolina Central University is on lockdown due to an investigation on campus. Lawson Street is currently closed from Lincoln Street to Fayetteville Street as officers investigate. Please avoid the area."
Police have not yet officially confirmed that the lockdown is due to a shooting incident.
But CBS 17 anchor Angela Taylor tweeted: "We can confirm that a shooting took place this evening on campus at the Lawson St residence hall. The NCCU campus is on lockdown."
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On Twitter, @omgitss_kendall wrote: "active shooter at central is ridiculous... yall be safe". [sic]
While @DiannaM2U wrote: "Why the hell somebody just got shot on campus I can’t do the ghetto s**t". [sic]
North Carolina Central UniversityDurham Police did not elaborate on the incident. Lawson Street was closed from Lincoln Street to Fayetteville Street and people are being told to avoid the area.
An image taken at the scene showed a large police presence with red flights flashing. There are also fire trucks and ambulances on scene.
As of 1.30am local time, an announcement over the campus loud speaker system confirmed that the all clear has been given and students and staff can resume normal activity.
Police at the scene tonightThe university is keeping tight lipped - they have told reporters one person was shot and taken to hospital, but they did not say whether that person was a student, and what their current condition was. They added there was no threat to the wider community and police are investigating it as a crime.