Fugitive hunt continues after cops lock down schools

Adelaide police say they will not give up their search for dangerous fugitive Rodney Clavell.

Heavily armed police yesterday swept through two Adelaide schools seeking a dangerous fugitive.

Officers dressed in body armour carrying assault rifles locked down Pulteney Grammar School and Gilles St Primary school when they suspected the wanted man was on the grounds.

Messages were sent to parents updating them on the situation and assuring them their children were safe. 

A warrant was issued for the 46-year-old former prison guard on Tuesday in relation to firearm and other matters.

Police on Friday said they searched a house at suburban Edwardstown on Thursday night, after two Adelaide schools earlier were placed in lockdown as a precaution as heavily-armed police searched a nearby area.

Police believe Clavell was a passenger in a rented blue Ford sedan which failed to stop for police on Osmond Street in the inner-city.

Both the passenger and driver ran off and the nearby schools were locked down.

Police raided two houses on Wednesday in suburban Skye, but failed to find him.

Superintendent Peter Harvey said police suspected Clavell had access to firearms and considered him as a danger to the community, warning he should not be approached.

"Our taskforce is totally committed to this pursuit," he said.

"We are aware that certain people are assisting Mr Clavell, the penalties for this is very severe and is up to seven years imprisonment."

In 2004, Clavell used a 12-tonne grader to flee from police.

He was shot twice and tasered by STAR Group officers after the 46km chase through the Adelaide Hills.