A major police operation is underway at a school in Berlin with reports of students barricaded inside.

Police have confirmed they are at the scene of the Max Taut Schule and are searching the school after an alarm was triggered just after 10am.

Reports online claim that students ‘barricaded’ inside classrooms are banned from talking, are crying and afraid.

Officers have reportedly asked people nearby not to leave their homes.

A photograph believed to be from the scene shows a large group of armed police.

One person claimed on social media: “A client of mine is at school. About 40 minutes ago, the students should barricade themselves inside the rooms. Talking is prohibited.

“Everyone is afraid. Some students cry. Police can be seen on the roof and in front of the house.”

However the circumstances of the incident have not been confirmed.

“So far there has been no confirmation,” a police spokeswoman told Der Tagesspiegel.

“We are on site with emergency services and get an overview of the situation.”

The alarm was reportedly triggered by the school principal.

Police told RTL.DE : “The police take such alarm signals very seriously and have therefore sent the forces to check the situation and search the school.”

The fire brigade is also believed to be at the scene.

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.