This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/5387062.stm

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Gun siege at Colorado high school Gun siege at Colorado high school
(40 minutes later)
Staff and pupils have been evacuated from a high school in the US state of Colorado, where a gunman is believed to be holding two girls hostage. Staff and pupils have been evacuated from a high school in the US state of Colorado, where a gunman is believed to be holding two female students hostage.
A Swat team and bomb squad have been sent to Platte Canyon High School, in the town of Bailey. Snipers and a bomb squad have been sent to Platte Canyon High School, in the town of Bailey.
Witnesses said they heard at least two shots being fired, but there are no reports of casualties and the hostages are said to be unharmed. Witnesses said they heard at least two shots being fired, but the hostages are said to be unharmed.
Talks between police and the gunman are said to be under way. Talks between police and the gunman, who claims to have explosives, are said to be under way.
TV pictures show a long line of people streaming away towards school buses.TV pictures show a long line of people streaming away towards school buses.
Snipers in position 'Ruckack bomb'
According to reports, the gunman initially took as many as six people hostage before releasing all but two. According to reports, the gunman initially took as many as six people hostage just before noon before releasing all but two.
Snipers are moving into position around the site. The bomb squad was apparently called out after reports of a device inside the school.
"An adult is holding the hostages, he claims to have explosives," said Lance Clem, spokesman for the Colorado state troopers, was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency."An adult is holding the hostages, he claims to have explosives," said Lance Clem, spokesman for the Colorado state troopers, was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.
Colorado radio journalist Jerry Bell told BBC News 24 that the gunman was holding two girls in a classroom on the second floor.Colorado radio journalist Jerry Bell told BBC News 24 that the gunman was holding two girls in a classroom on the second floor.
The 35-year-old is said to be carrying a bomb in a rucksack, the journalist added.The 35-year-old is said to be carrying a bomb in a rucksack, the journalist added.
A newspaper in Park County, where Bailey is situated, has been quoting what appear to be police radio reports.
One message describes the gunman as arriving at the school with a "black squarish-looking gun" and firing a single shot when a teacher refuses to do what he asks.
As of 1150 local time (1750 GMT), the gunman was holding students in a room, The Flume adds.
Close to Columbine
Platte Canyon High and neighbouring Fitzsimmons Middle School have about 800 students enrolled between them.Platte Canyon High and neighbouring Fitzsimmons Middle School have about 800 students enrolled between them.
"The two schools have been in lockdown," an official in the Park County Sheriff's office told AFP news agency."The two schools have been in lockdown," an official in the Park County Sheriff's office told AFP news agency.
Bailey lies in Park County, 56km (35 miles) south-west of the state capital, Denver. Bailey lies 56km (35 miles) south-west of the state capital, Denver.
Police have been called in from neighbouring Jefferson County where in 1999, two students killed 13 people at Columbine High School before taking their own lives.Police have been called in from neighbouring Jefferson County where in 1999, two students killed 13 people at Columbine High School before taking their own lives.
However, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jacki Kelley said the situation at Platte Canyon High was "quite different".


Are you in the area? You can contact us using the form below:Are you in the area? You can contact us using the form below:
You can send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them 07725 100 100. Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video You can send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them (+44) 07725 100 100. Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
NameName