A COLLEGE student has admitted stalking his campus armed with a gun and a knife.

Crawley College was swarmed with armed police and counter terror officers after Sandijs Dreimanis went in armed with a starting pistol and a knife.

Students and staff were told to run for their lives when witnesses reported hearing shots as Dreimanis roamed the college car park in April last year.

The 18-year-old, from Crawley, terrified the campus before being tackled to the ground by staff.

Teachers Simon Wilson and Peter Davidson were assaulted by Dreimanis as they tried to disarm him.

Both sustained minor injuries.

The Argus: Armed police at Crawley College campus Armed police at Crawley College campus

They were praised by police for the bravery they showed in subduing him, which was captured on video.

Dreimanis was arrested just after 3.20pm on April 26 2021.

At Lewes Crown Court, he confirmed his name before pleading guilty to possessing a firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence.

Her Honour Judge Christine Laing QC asked for a background report.

"All I am interested in the widest possible picture of what led up to this young man doing what he did on the day," she said.

At an earlier hearing, Dreimanis pleaded guilty to assaulting Simon Wilson and Peter Davidson and having a knife on school premises.

He will be sentenced in March.

The Argus: Crawley College students exit campus Crawley College students exit campus

Dozens of armed police, including counter-terrorism officers from nearby Gatwick Airport, stormed the campus and searched classrooms, while a helicopter flew overhead.

They called in support from police in Surrey, Kent and the Metropolitan Police force who attended, alongside dogs units.