Knife-wielding man sparks police stand-off

Police were called to an address in Pier Road, at 11.45pm last night, following reports of a man throwing things from a first floor flat window.

When officers arrived, a 37-year-old Littlehampton man threatened them with a knife, which began the stand-off.

Police closed the road at both ends while officers dressed in body armour and helmets, armed with riot shields, alongside dog units and a police negotiator, attempted to calm the situation.

A 43-year-old woman, who witnessed the event and wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was woken by my little girl. She was frightened and shaking when she woke me. It was very scary indeed.”

The man was eventually calmed down by the police negotiator shortly after 5am, where he surrendered to officers and was arrested on suspicion of affray.