Armed cops descend on Sussex house and arrest man following reports of multiple shots fired

Armed police swarmed the scene of an ‘armed incident’ in Hastings following reports of shots being fired.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident, Sussex Police said shortly before midnight on Tuesday.

Police were called to the scene in response to shots reportedly being fired at a vehicle in Theaklan Drive at around 7.10pm. Shortly after, officers received a report of an armed man at a street nearby. 

A large number of heavily-armed police responded to both scenes and asked people to stay away. Photos show squads of officers wearing body armour and tactical gear. A National Police Air Service helicopter was also in support. 

Squads of armed police swarmed the scene where shots were reportedly fired in Hastings

A man was arrested and a firearm seized after police secured the area and warned the public to stay away

No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident and it is not being treated as terror-related.

A firearm was seized as the man involved was taken into custody, Sussex Police said yesterday.

Chief Inspector Jayantha Mendis-Gunasekera, of Hastings Command, said: ‘Due to the nature of the reports we received, it was imperative that we responded accordingly, and this included calling upon our neighbouring forces for support.

‘Thankfully, no injuries were reported and we can confirm it is not being treated as a terror-related incident.

Police said neighbouring forces were called in to respond to the armed incident on Tuesday night

Sussex Police said no injuries were reported following the incident which involved multiple shots

‘I appreciate this will have been of significant concern to the local community, who can expect to see an increased police presence in the area in the meantime.

‘There were a number of people in the area around that time and I am urging anyone who saw what happened to please come forward. You can report it online or via 101, quoting Operation Beaumont.

‘I would like to commend the officers involved for their swift support, and also extend my thanks to the public for their patience and understanding as our enquiries into this fast-moving investigation continue.’