Detectives have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in Hove today in the search for three men after a police officer was threatened with a gun.
The hunt began in the Poets Corner area on Thursday (10 March) when a man saw three men, one of whom was carrying a machete, shortly before noon.
He alerted a PC in the Coleridge Street area and the officer followed the men but backed off when one of them produced a firearm.
Despite an extensive search of the area, the men have not been found.
Detective Inspector Lee Horner said: “We have gained a number of useful leads and information from members of the public who have contacted us since the incident.
“All of this will help us to track the men and their movements shortly before and after the incident.
“We are still keen to speak to anyone who has information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, about the incident or the men involved.”
Detectives are also still keen to speak to a male who alerted the PC to the three men.
He is thought to be the driver of a small flatbed lorry and spoke to the officer in Sackville Road.
He is described as white, in his 40s, wearing a white or cream T-shirt and may be a builder or tradesman.
The three men being hunted by Sussex Police are all described as black and the man carrying the machete was described as about 25 years old, about 5ft 9in tall and with short black hair.
He was wearing a dark grey hoodie, dark tracksuit bottoms and bright white trainers.
The man who threatened the officer with a handgun was also aged about 25, clean shaven and with cornrow braided hair. He was wearing a dark hoodie and tracksuit bottoms
There is little description of the third man.
Anyone who thinks they have information that may help police is asked to contact 0845 6070999 or to call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
