POLICE in riot gear raided a shop in Brighton's London Road this morning.

A witness saw officers batter down the door of Hemp Life near Preston Circus at about 10.40am.

The Argus:

He said: "We pulled up around the corner to go to a nearby shop to get a drink.

"There was a police van and all the police were coming out and had shields and armour on.

"There were 15 or 20 police there and one had a ram. But the first ram didn't work so the went to get a bigger one.

The Argus:

"They were stood outside and seemed to be trying to get somebody inside to come out, but they wouldn't.

"In the end they used a massive raid ram to get in. They all piled in and looked like they were searching around."

Police are currently at the scene.

Damage to the door can be seen in the photo below.

The Argus:

A witness said: "I was passing by the shop where I saw a large line of policemen waiting outside.

"They then forcefully opened the door and all piled into the shop.

"I saw one police officer further up the road with latex gloves on and one was holding a large camera, recording the incident.

"It was definitely shocking as I live in the area, and wouldn't expect to see something like this in the morning

"I was also very curious as to what was going on.

"It was a bit unsettling as I haven't seen anything of this nature in London Road before, but it is such a busy road that people walking by didn't seem to be too bothered by the situation."

The Argus:

Another witness added: "They were there for about half an hour trying to force their way in.

“First they used a crowbar then some sort of pump.

“It looked like there were about 12 policemen there.

“We want to know what it was for."

Sussex Police responded to the incident.

A spokesman said: "Police in Brighton carried out three raids across the city today. 

"Warrants were executed at shops in London Road and Duke Street, and a home address in North Place, in connection with an investigation into money laundering and supply of class B drugs. 

"At London Road drugs and cash was seized and one man attended a police station under caution for a voluntary interview. 

"At North Place a 36-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in money laundering and the supply of class B drugs.

"She remains in custody. 

"A further warrant was conducted at a shop in Duke Street and a significant quantity of herbal cannabis was seized." 

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Did you witness this incident? Contact the Argus newsroom on 01273 021391 or message us at facebook.com/brightonargus

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