Children are being evacuated from Midway Middle School after what appears to be an explosive device was found near the school, according to Midway Police Chief Kelly Morningstar.

It was not clear whether the device was on the campus or just nearby, nor has it been reported how it was found.

State and county police were seen converging on the scene shortly after 8 a.m., as students were arriving at the school and at nearby Liberty Elementary School.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing students being loaded onto buses and they were to be taken to Dorchester Academy, according to information gleaned from radio traffic.

Morningstar said officials were considering whether students at the elementary school, which is about 200 yards from the middle school, down Edgewater Drive, should also be moved.