A man set fire to a van then held a knife to his own throat in a busy shopping area this morning. 

Police were called to Chapel Street, off St James's Street in Kemp Town, Brighton, to reports a man was setting fire to a van at 10.50am today. 

When officers arrived, the van was still on fire. Officers then went to a house in the same road where a man was holding a knife to his throat. 

The road was closed while police dealt with the incident. 

A police spokesman said: "A 50-year-old man was later arrested inside the property on suspicion of criminal damage. He is currently in custody.

"Officers are still at the scene collecting evidence about the incident."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 398 of 16/4, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.