ARMED police were called to a busy street earlier this afternoon after a man was seen waving a gun around.

Officers went to Portland Road in Hove, near the junction of Westbourne Street, just before 3.30pm.

A pub worker said: "I saw a few police cars. One of them is still outside the Co-op and the bakery. Two more went up Westbourne Street with their lights on."

An anonymous tip-off to The Argus detailed how there was "a guy waving a gun around".

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "At 3.29pm (today) we received reports that a man had been seen waving what was described as a small hand gun, in Portland Road, Hove, by a bus stop near the Co-op.

"He was seen to walk away up Rutland Road.

"Officers searched the area and shortly after 4.40pm a man was arrested by armed officers in a nearby street.

"There were no shots and no injuries.

"Enquiries are taking place to establish the full circumstances.

"A nearby address is currently being searched, and a weapon has not yet been found, but there is no suggestion of any terrorist motive."

Police said the incident was ongoing as of 7.30pm.