AN ARREST has been made after a masked man was spotted carrying a gun in broad daylight.

The incident happened near the West Quay in Brighton Marina on Saturday at about 1pm.

A passerby said the man was seen carrying a gun and had his face covered up.

“It was quite a scary sight to be honest,” he said.

“He had his face covered and there was certainly a lot of panic in the area from other people.

“I didn’t see the police arrive, I just saw them when they were already arresting a man.

“I saw the police bagging a gun.”

“The police acted really fast which was good because people in the area were definitely getting scared.”

Police were contacted by a paramedic who witnessed a cyclist who was wearing a face covering and was suspected to be carrying a firearm, at about 10.15am.

Officers attended and a man matching the description was arrested in Marina Way.

They have since put out an appeal reminding people of the seriousness of being in possession of an offensive weapon in public.

Detective Sergeant Tom Duffy, of Brighton Investigations, said: “Whatever the circumstances, being in possession of an offence weapon in public is a serious offence, and anyone caught committing such an offence will be dealt with robustly.

“I’d like to remind people, particularly given the current climate, of their responsibility around UK legislation.

“I’d also like to thank our emergency services colleague who notified us of the incident. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please contact us.”

The man arrested is Shaun Hartley. from South Coast Road, Peacehaven, The 38-year-old has been charged with two counts of possession of an imitation firearm in public, three counts of possession of an offensive weapon (a knife) in public, and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis).

He has been remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court today.  The incident comes as another man was arrested after gunshots were heard in the East Drive area of Queen’s Park, Brighton, last Sunday.

The 21-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm in Croydon on Saturday night.

A 22-year-old woman from Brighton was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They remain in custody after being transported to Sussex. The firearm believed to have been involved has still not been found.

A 42-year-old woman from Brighton, arrested on Monday, August 5 on suspicion of assisting an offender and failing to comply with conditions of a shotgun certificate, remains on bail.