POLICE found a knife and thousands of pounds worth of cash in a bag discarded by suspected drug dealers.

Residents in New Road in Brighton reported drug dealing, and PCSOs on patrol nearby chased a group of three on Thursday last week.

Officers swooped in to arrest the men after one was seen throwing away a bag containing the knife and £3,000.

A 24-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply, possessing cannabis, and possessing an offensive weapon.

Meanwhile a 25-year-old man from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

They were released on bail until April 3.

Finally a 17-year-old from London was arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and B drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply the drugs, and possessing an offensive weapon.

Police stopped him in Brighton city centre and found he was in possession of a knife in his trousers. He was released under investigation for the alleged offences.

Inspector Nick Dias said: "We are continually working to make Brighton and Hove a hostile place to deal drugs.

“This was a good example of our PCSOs acting on information given to them by the public and alerting officers to make an arrest while also gathering evidence.

“They are a key part of our prevention teams helping to prevent crime and protect the vulnerable."