A teenager has appeared in court following the armed incident at Crawley College.

Sandijs Dreimanis, 18, was named by police on Wednesday morning and appeared in court soon afterwards.

Students and staff had to be evacuated with their hands on their heads after shots rang out at Crawley College, West Sussex, on Monday.

The heroics of one teacher and their colleague, who were injured tackling an armed suspect, were lauded by police, and the college praised the actions of the emergency services.

Local officers were liaising with counter-terror specialists on Monday evening but later announced that it is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

On Wednesday morning, Sussex Police announced that Dreimanis, of Barton Walk in Crawley, has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article on a school premises.

He later appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court wearing a grey jumper and a face mask.

Dreimanis entered no pleas to the charges and the case was sent to Lewes Crown Court for a further hearing on May 26.

Magistrate Paul Dalby told Dreimanis: “The allegation involving a firearm can only be dealt with at the Crown Court, and as the other matters occurred at the same time they too will be dealt with at the Crown Court.

“Until then you will be remanded in custody,” he added.

The incident in Crawley saw significant numbers of armed police dispatched after officers received multiple calls shortly after 3.10pm involving reports of gunshots at the college.

Vicki Illingworth, Crawley College principal, said on Tuesday: “Our college community was shaken by the actions that occurred yesterday afternoon.

“I cannot praise the courage, resilience and support shown by our staff enough.

“They have been incredible and the care and compassion they shared with our students and with each other continues to fill me with admiration.

“We can confirm two members of our staff did sustain some minor injuries, which were not gunshot wounds.

“Their heroic actions, and the rapid response of emergency services, helped to protect our college community.”