Armed seige over

Armed police broke into a house in the Wick area of Littlehampton yesterday evening to end a stand-off that had lasted more than six hours.

They helped social workers detain a 61-year-old man under the Mental Health Act. Police say no shots were fired during the operation, no-one was hurt and there was no-one else inside the house.

Police went to the house in Wick Farm Road at around 11.25am Friday morning to support social workers who were trying to execute a warrant under the Mental Health Act.

Firearms officers were drafted-in when what was believed to be a firearm was seen inside the house. Police cordoned off the road and people living nearby were advised to stay indoors.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "In view of the way we swiftly contained the situation there was nothing to suggest the man was a danger to the local public.  We would like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience during this time."

Police will be conducting house-to-house enquiries over the weekend.