Armed response team confronts axeman in Sidley

Police were called to Langley Close on Tuesday morning following reports of a man having been seen in the area carrying a large kitchen knife and an axe.

Inspector James Scott said: "Whilst in the area he had been threatening members of a household.

"Upon police attendance the male had left the area and while PC Jen Perryman was carrying out an area search she was confronted by the male standing outside an address in Mount Idol view waving the kitchen knife and the axe around.

"PC Perryman remained in her vehicle observing the male whilst her Sergeant, PS Che Donald, and PC Shane Potter arrived at the scene.

"The officers contained the male from a safe distance until the armed response unit arrived at the scene very shortly afterwards and the male was detained with no injury to himself or the police officers."

Joe Elt, 33, appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon but not to the charge of threats to kill.

He was remanded in custody until Wednesday..

Inspector Scott said: "This is just an example of the excellent work of the officers that work in Bexhill and that they are prepared to deal with whatever is asked of them."