Man arrested after armed officers respond to incident in Sussex

Photographs showed a police cordon in place, on Morley Street, on Sunday afternoon (September 13). There was a large police presence on the scene.

Sussex Police said it responded to a report of an ‘intoxicated man’ in a car ‘verbally abusing members of the public’. It was reported in Lewes Road, near Elm Grove, at around 4.50pm.

An updated statement on Monday afternoon read: “Officers attended but the vehicle had left the scene. It was located by The Level, in Union Road, Brighton at around 6.50pm.

“Police attempted to engage with the man, however he failed to comply with instructions and drove away from the scene.

“Officers pursued the car to Morley Street, where it was driven the wrong way down the road and collided with eight parked vehicles. Tactics were used to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and a man was detained.

“The man was taken to hospital for treatment and now remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, failing to stop, and breaching a court injunction.”

Police said ‘no other injuries have been reported’.

The force is now ‘ appealing for witnesses and information’, following the ‘pursuit of a suspected drink and drug driver’.

Superintendent Jonathan Hartley said: “Public safety is our priority.

“The response, including tactical contact, by officers minimised the risk to members of the public and enabled this incident to be brought to a swift resolution.

“We recognise the disruption caused to the community while the incident was ongoing and I’d like to thank the public for their understanding and patience during that time.”

The police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has ‘relevant information’ – such as CCTV, dashcam, or mobile footage – which could ‘aid the ongoing investigation’.

They are encouraged to report it online, or by calling 101, quoting serial 962 of 13/09.