Hunt for Hove gunman goes on as pupils released from schools

A suspected gunman is being hunted by armed police in Hove.

He was with two other men when he threatened a police officer with what appeared to be a gun shortly before noon.

As a result, 2,000 pupils were kept on the premises at lunchtime today by two secondary schools – Hove Park and Blatchington Mill.

But the police commander for Brighton and Hove said that it was now safe for pupils to leave local schools and for parents to pick them up.

Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett said: “The search for these three men continues.

“However, due to the lapse in time and the high police presence in the area we believe the initial threat no longer remains and residents and school pupils are advised that they may continue with their day as normal.

“Intelligence work continues around these men and police officers will remain in the area today.

“At no point has there been any threat to any members of the public.”

Sussex Police urged anyone who sees the men to dial 999 and anyone with information to call 0845 6070999.