A MEMBER of staff at a college has been praised as a hero after they tackled a suspected gunman yesterday.

Two college workers were injured and an 18-year-old was arrested after officers received reports that gunshots had been fired at Crawley College at about 3pm.

Eye-witness claim a gunman was firing bullets on the college grounds before being “rugby-tackled” by a tutor.

READ MORE: Full of details of suspected shooting at Crawley College

It is reported the teacher who flattened the suspected gunman had his hand slashed open by a knife.

Teacher praised as hero after rugby tackling gunman Credit: Snapchat

Teacher praised as hero after 'rugby tackling' gunman Credit: Snapchat

The Sun reports that a student posting on Snapchat said: “The guy managed to slice his hand open."

A firearm and a knife were seized, as two college staff members were treated for minor injuries.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said officers have now searched an address in Barton Walk, Crawley, in connection with the incident.

READ MORE: Crawley College: House searched after 'gunshots fired'

The force said the injuries were not gunshot wounds and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. It is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges added: “We continue to have a policing presence in Crawley and are speaking to witnesses. We are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

"Two staff members at the college suffered minor injuries and presented themselves to a walk-in medical centre. I want to thank those who helped apprehend the suspect before officers arrived and all the students, staff and public for their co-operation today."

Hundreds of people watched from behind a police cordon in College Road, as armed officers from the South East's counter-terrorism team cleared the building throughout the afternoon.

Students were filmed leaving the college with their hands on their heads, as hundreds of police evacuated the campus.

One witness told The Argus he saw the "gunman" outside a classroom wearing a facemask and shot "blanks at people" but tried to flee when he was confronted by staff members.

Nick Sparkes, an eye-witness who was in the park opposite the college at the time, said he heard what sounded like "gunshots" shortly followed by "loads of screaming and shouting".

Dozens of police cars, including unmarked vehicles rushed to the scene, causing widespread disruption to traffic throughout the town.