Police appeal for witnesses over Hastings flat stand-off

Sussex Police said the incident took place in Priory Avenue at 3.40am on Saturday (August 15).

According to police, two occupants in one of the flats had been playing music loudly and had refused to turn it down.

Officers said when they arrived at the scene, a man in the property threatened to shoot them.

He and a woman in the flat then refused to leave to speak to officers, police say.

According to police, firearms officers and other emergency services were called to the scene and the area was closed off while the incident was ongoing.

Police said that at about 12.30pm a 40-year-old man eventually came out of the property and he was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Officers said a woman also aged 40 who was in the flat was arrested on suspicion of affray. They both remain in custody.

Police said no one was harmed and the road was reopened at 12.40pm.

Detective Sergeant Shelley Campbell said: “This incident started off as noise complaint and quickly escalated to a neighbour dispute and then the occupant threatening to harm police officers who had attended the scene.

“It was eventually resolved peacefully after several hours and a man and a woman were arrested.

“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident especially those who live in the block of flats who may have information which could help our investigation.”

Members of the public can report online or ring 101 quoting Operation Dunsmore.

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