Wick man detained under Mental Health Act

Police were called to an address in Wick Farm Road, Wick, at 11.25am yesterday to assist West Sussex Social Services .

Firearms officers were deployed after what is believed to be a gun was seen inside the property.

The road was closed and neighbours were asked to stay inside while officers tried to help social services take the man into care.

Patience

Speaking yesterday afternoon Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett said: "Negotiators are at the scene to encourage the man to come out and receive the care he needs.

"There is nothing to suggest the man is a danger to the public.

"I would like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience during this time."

At 5.45pm armed officers entered the property.

No shots were fired and nobody was injured.

Swiftly contained

The man has been detained under the Mental Health Act and a Sussex Police spokesman said they would be be working with Social Services to assess the best course of action.

Police did not confirm whether a firearm, real or imitation, had been found.

Nobody else was in the address.

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."

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