Emergency after shot fired near school in Edge Hill, Cairns

Police have made an emergency declaration after a shot was fired, causing chaos for parents on the school run and surrounding residents.

Police are searching for a gunman who shut down an entire suburb in Cairns after firing at a car near a school.

Residents are being warned to avoid Edge Hill after emergency crews were called to a Collin Ave address following reports of a shot being fired about 1pm on Thursday.

Upon arrival, officers discovered two vehicles had collided and one person discharged a firearm at another before leaving on foot.

A map showing the exclusion zone after police made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act.

The Public Safety Preservation Act was declared about 2pm, with boundaries encompassing Pease, Woodward, Polentz and Russell St.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area while police respond, or stay inside with their doors and windows locked.

It is understood Edge Hill State School is no longer in lockdown.

Parents were able to pick up children from Edge Hill State School via Pease St.

Multiple roads may be impacted by police stops within the area.

Originally published as Emergency after shot fired near school in Edge Hill, Cairns