A 26-YEAR-OLD man was arrested by armed police for swinging a samurai sword in the street.

John Gunn, 26, was found with the weapon in Haslett Avenue, near Three Bridges railway station, yesterday afternoon.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police were called to a man reported to be heading towards Three Bridges railway station on Thursday afternoon, December 27, brandishing a Samurai sword. 

"Armed officers were deployed to the scene in Haslett Avenue at 2.41pm and a man was detained shortly afterwards. 

"John Gunn, 26, a labourer of Breydon Walk, Crawley, was charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

"He was bailed to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on January 14." 

Crawley Police posted about the incident on social media, reveakling that armed officers were called to deal with the situation.

They later posted an image of the sword.

A spokesman said: "We are all very pleased that this weapon is now off the street.

"A quick and positive response by all those involved."

Many people took to social media to express their relief that the man had been stopped.

Lee Cook said: "That is frightening, to think that someone would have that on the street."