A man has been detained following a two hour standoff with armed police officers.

Armed police were called to a flat in Woodingdean, Brighton, yesterday evening where a man claimed to have a gun and was threatening to kill himself.

 The 44-year-old man called from an address in Cowley Drive at 8.16pm and said that he felt suicidal and had a gun to his head. He also said that he had taken tablets and alcohol.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Because of the threat of a gun, road closures and a cordon were established in the area and officers attempted to engage with the man who had remained on the telephone to the police call taker.

“Just after 9pm he was seen at the front door of the property, but he closed the door and returned inside.

“At 9.54pm, he emerged from the house, unarmed, and was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.”

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he remained on Friday morning.

A weapon was found in the flat and was seized for examination by police. Early indications are that it is not a viable firearm.

A force spokesman said reports the man had a hostage were incorrect and no one was hurt and no shots were fired.

The road was reopened at 10.26pm.

Did you see what happened? Email Henry.Holloway@theargus.co.uk or call 01273 544545.