Armed police swooped on Queen’s Road this morning after reports of a gunman.
Witnesses said officers pounced on a man leaving a vape shop near the Clock Tower, following reports he was carrying an air rifle.
A 19-year-old is now in custody on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
@bhcitynews @brightonargus @BBCSussex
I had a very clear view of the armed police incident on Queens Road from my office.
Appeared to be an air rifle. pic.twitter.com/fVqCTT3efJ— Jamie Reid (@jwjreid) January 17, 2019
Passer-by Tom Phillips said: “The road was closed for a police op by the Clock Tower – armed cops swooped on a young man leaving the vape shop after people reported him carrying an air rifle in a case.
“I saw them swooping and saw the air rifle being inspected.
“It was a dramatic start to getting my morning coffee!”
Another witness, Jamie Reid, said: “It looked like an air rifle in the rifle bag. They fired/discharged it to make sure it was clear.
“There were four marked cars (one dog car) and two unmarked I think.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to Western Road after a man was seen with what was believed to be a gun.
“The man was seen at 9.26am on Thursday (January 17) walking from Western Road into North Street and then into Queen’s Road. No threats were made.
“Queen’s Road was briefly closed and a man was arrested at 9.50am.
“A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He remains custody at this time.”
