Armed police stormed a university hall of residence after reports of a gunman threatening to kill people on campus.

Sussex University students were evacuated from their flats as police raided a building in search of the alleged gunman.

A 19-year-old was arrested and remains in custody.

Sussex Police confirmed that no firearms were found during the incident in Falmer last night.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Police were called to the University of Sussex campus in Brighton at just after 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 5, following a report of a man in possession of firearms and making threats to kill.

“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and malicious communications. He remains in police custody at this time.

“An extensive search of an address was carried out and no firearms were found. As a precaution, a number of flats were evacuated to ensure the safety of students.”

An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident.

A University of Sussex spokeswoman confirmed the incident but said it would be “inappropriate” to comment further.

The 19-year-old remains in custody.

Detective Sergeant Joshua Bellamy said: “Officers quickly responded to this incident and ensured the safety of students and the public immediately.

“The man was not found in possession of any firearms and enquiries are now ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

“We would like to thank students and the public for their patience and cooperation while this incident was ongoing.”