A CARPET fitter has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm in a public place with intent to cause fear or violence.

Police received reports of a man in possession of a gun in Broadfield Barton, in Crawley, at about 9.40pm on Friday.

Officers carried out a search of the area, and located and arrested a man matching the suspect’s description in nearby Crawley Avenue.

Omar Iq-Bar, 52, of Kensington Road, Crawley, was remanded in custody to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Following his appearance, he was further remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court on November 13.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, and anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101 quoting serial 1267 of 13/10.

Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.