Suspected gunman is 34-year-old man from Brighton

The suspected gunman arrested near the Sainsbury’s supermarket in Lewes Road this afternoon (Monday 7 April) is a 34-year-old man from Brighton.

He is being held on suspicion of having a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence – an offence under section 16A of the Firearms Act.

The man was arrested after firearms officers sealed off the Vogue Gyratory and the area around it in Brighton for three hours earlier.

They were responding to a report of a man with a gun.

Sussex Police said: “Armed police responded to the report at 2.17pm when the man was seen near the Sainsbury’s supermarket on the Lewes Road gyratory system.

“He went into a nearby house in Lewes Road which was surrounded and then entered by armed officers.

“The man was secured at 5.15pm and was then arrested.

“He remained in custody on Monday evening while specialist police search officers searched the property.

“No shots were fired and nobody was injured in the incident.”

Detective Superintendent Steve Black, who led the operation, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their patience and co-operation while this sensitive incident was brought to a safe conclusion.

“I am aware that there was significant disruption but it was essential to close off the immediate area to ensure the safety of everyone living and working locally as well as those seeking to resolve it.”