A gun is believed to have been fired during a fight between a group of people.

Police were called to Ashington Road, Eastbourne, at about 11.30pm on Wednesday following reports of a fight in the street.

When officers arrived the fight had ended and the offenders had left the scene. Two women were arrested nearby.

A car, which police believed was at the scene, was stopped in Willingdon Drove, Eastbourne, and three men were arrested.

Detective Inspector Richard Bates, from East Sussex CID, said: “No serious injuries were sustained during this incident. We believe that the suspected firearm was a blank-firing starter pistol.

“The people that were involved in this fight are all known to each other and no one else was threatened during the incident.

“Following quick work from officers five people have been arrested and remain in custody today.”

A 42-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Two men aged 46 and 20, and two women, aged 23 and 21, all from Eastbourne, were arrested on suspicion of affray.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information which may help officers in their investigation should call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1741 of December 21 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.