ARMED police raided a house over fears a person inside had a weapon. 

The police cordoned off Vale Road in Seaford around 10.10am this morning, after a report of a possible sighting of someone with a weapon in the house. 

Heavily armed officers raided the property and closed the road for 90 minutes. 

An eye-witness described being told by armed officers to turn away from the road.

David Jones,49, who was visiting the area from Australia, said: "I was out walking with my mum and the armed police asked us to turn back. 

"Their car was parked in the middle of the road, and three armed police officers were stood on the opposite side of the car to where the house is. 

"They were looking at the house, and using the car as shield. 

"I don't know if it was a hostage situation or if firearms were involved, but that struck me as a logical conclusion of having an armed rexponse unit in attendance."

Sussex Police said the property was empty and a lawfully held air rifle was found.

Detective superintendent Carwyn Hughes said: "Our officers went into the property and found a lawfully held air rifle.

"We would like to publicly thank the member of the public who phoned us with their concern.

"Thankfully the weapon seen was an air rifle, however we would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to call us. 

"We'd also like to thank all the residents of Vale Road for their patience while we have been in the area."