UNDER SIEGE: ELDERLY residents were evacuated from a sheltered housing complex as the siege entered its 15th hour.

Wiltshire County Council's emergency planning officer ordered the evacuation of 22 people from Charlotte Court at 2pm.

Police were drafted in to help out as elderly and disabled residents were taken by minibus to a care centre in Hilperton.

Warden Mel Allen stayed at the West Wiltshire Housing Society-owned complex with one resident who was too ill to move.

Property services director Paul Moore said the evacuation was an ordeal.

"We had staff on the ground and facilities available so it eased the situation," he said. "The warden said the residents were all fine but very tired. It was stressful for them."

Salvation Army headquarters in Castle Street, Trowbridge Hospital and Longfield Community Centre were all set to house evacuees if the siege stretched into the night.

There was disruption elsewhere as pupils at Margaret Stancomb Infants School arrived to find lessons cancelled.

Parents turned up to find teachers turning children away after LEA officials took the decision to close the 120-pupil school and nursery.

Deputy headteacher Kay Bennett said many pupils and parents were unable to get to school as whole streets were sealed off. "Parents were fine and obviously concerned for their children's safety.

"We didn't want them to be in school because of the close proximity to the siege.

"In the light of the fact there were shots fired we are sure it was completely the right decision. The safety of children is paramount.

"We thought we might have to explain things to the children but there have been no questions so far. I don't think they realised how serious it was."

One mother said some parents were upset at the closure.

She said: "Some mums were complaining but I would rather my son was at home than near a gunman. You only have to think about Michael Ryan and Hungerford."