A MAN wielding what is thought to be a handgun is terrorising pupils at a North-East school.

The man has sent pupils at Washington Comprehensive School scattering in terror on three separate occasions, including one where he produced the weapon from his trousers.

Terrified youngsters at the Wearside school have yet to be shot at by the lone man, but have been left severely shaken.

Police say they do not know whether he is wielding a real handgun or a fake, but stress they need to catch him before he strikes again.

In the latest incident, on Monday, he pointed the weapon at a 16-year-old pupil on the path between Washington Comprehensive and Swirral Edge. No shots were fired in the incident, at about 2pm.

There had been two sightings of him in the past fortnight - both in the Albany area of the town.

Detective Inspector Gavin Hedley of Northumbria Police said: "We are obviously very concerned about the actions of this man, which are terrifying members of the public.

"We do not know at this stage whether it is a genuine weapon or not, but we need to trace this man before he commits any more offences."

Police say the man had a very distinctive appearance. He was 5ft 7in tall, in his 30s, with a medium to big build and a bald head with a little hair at the back. He was wearing jeans with several chains hanging off them, and a dark T-shirt.

Anyone with information should contact Washington CID on 0191 4547555, extension 66445.