A teenager who claimed he carried a hammer through a town centre for his own protection has been cautioned.

The 18-year-old was stopped by police in Queens Road, Hastings, and found to be in possession of the hammer.

He was arrested and interviewed by police at about midday on Thursday February 24.

He has now been issued with a caution and the hammer has been destroyed.

A police spokesman said: “Carrying a hammer or anything similar for personal protection is not acceptable, and it is against the law.”