If the shot had not hit a laminated windscreen at an angle he could have copped it right in the face

Acting Detective Inspector Terry Parry

Shots were fired from a green Renault Laguna at a red Vauxhall Corsa as the two cars sped through the streets of the city.

The Corsa pulled into the car park of the college on Nottingham Road.

Police said a passenger stepped out of the Renault and fired several shots from a handgun towards the other car.

The cars then sped off towards the city centre.

Car burned out

Acting Detective Inspector Terry Parry said: "People could easily have been killed or seriously hurt.

"No children were on the coach at the time, but the driver was sitting in his seat and if the shot had not hit a laminated windscreen at an angle he could have copped it right in the face."

Several shots were fired on the school grounds

The Laguna car was later found burned out in the Radford area of Nottingham.

The college's vice-principal Nigel Akers said: "We are in a bit of state of shock, but it's one of those things that you can't really prepare for.

"We can give lots of advice, like 'stay away from guns', but if people are chasing around Sherwood, there's not a lot we can do to stop it happening."

Police described the man who fired the shots as a black, about 5 ft 9 in and of slim, athletic build.

He may have been wearing a balaclava.

Police are appealing for witnesses and the Corsa driver to contact them.