By Paul Bentley

Last updated at 7:05 PM on 7th July 2011

A University sparked hysteria on campus after posting an online alert to students warning them a possible gunman was on the loose, before telling them to come to class as usual.

The University of Louisville texted its students and used its Facebook page to send out the alert, which warned of a possible shooting on campus.

Shocked students were then told to head to class anyway, sparking confusion and panic as officials refused to explain the seriousness of the threat they faced.

Warning: The University sparked panic by uploading this alert online

An update of the University of Louisville's official page this morning stated: 'The U of L Police Department is investigating a threat involving a student planning to bring a gun to class.

'If you see anything suspicious call DPS 852-6111.'

The University also sent out text alerts to its students after officials spotted a threatening post on a website and notified police.

But rather than establish the seriousness of the threat or cancelling classes, officials decided it would be a good idea to spread word of the frightening threat to students' lives before telling them to come in anyway.

Despite local reports suggesting the threat was under control, several students took to social networking sites in a panic about the news.

'Need to get off campus. Somebody brought a gun up to this freaking school,' LaJoya Bond wrote on Twitter.

Matt Robeson added, on Facebook: 'Apparently there was a gun threat today so now the campus is locked down like North Korea. Martial law: it's happening here.'

Officials updated the page, but only appeared to confuse the situation further.

'I don't have a good answer for you other than I know they're doing the best they can... Sorry, it's not the perfect answer but it's all I've got for now,' one wrote to students.

'Don't miss class, unless you hear otherwise,' an administrator added.

Terrified students did not seem particularly reassured.

'I would like to have some more information before I leave for class,' Stephanie Craig wrote.

Campus: Students did not know whether to go in or not

A Twitter user named mhughes4 added: 'There's a threat that some1 is bringing a gun to class today at U of L? I'm staying in my room.'

The University of Louisville Police Department wrote: 'We at the University of Louisville Police Department are taking this issue VERY seriously. The safety of our students, staff, and faculty are the utmost concern.

'We will certainly let the public know if we go if we receive any more information on this matter.'

A student added on Twitter: 'Apparently there's some sort of gun-related threat on campus right now. That's a joy. Especially since I'm sitting on an open-air dock.'