ARMED police have filled seafront streets amid discussions between a specialist negotiator and a man with a knife.

The force has been locked in a stand-off with the man for almost eight hours, arriving at the scene at about 9.30am.

Officers carrying guns are patrolling the streets near the Royal Norfolk Hotel in Bognor.

Both uniformed and plain clothes officers have been spotted at the site.

The Argus:

Sussex Police has said it is dealing with an ongoing incident in the area "involving a man in distress".

An area of the seafront has been cordoned off and a drone has been launched by officers to survey the scene.

A large number of police cars and vans are currently parked in nearby streets with several groups of officers stationed in the surrounding area.

The Argus:

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police are currently dealing with an ongoing incident in The Esplanade, Bognor Regis.

"At about 9.28am, Sussex Police received a report of a man in distress who was in possession of a knife at the Royal Norfolk Hotel.

"A specialist negotiator has been called in to assist and the incident remains ongoing.

The Argus:

"In order to protect police and the public, a cordon has been set up in the immediate area."

The force has also urged residents living nearby to continue to follow social distancing guidelines and the Government's stay at home advice, despite the disturbance.

Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we continue to respond to this ongoing incident.

The Argus:

"Please continue to adhere to the government’s guidelines on social distancing, and avoid The Esplanade in particular.

“Due to the nature of the incident, the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area.

“This is an isolated incident contained to one property, and we have no information at this stage to suggest anyone else is inside, or that there is any threat to the wider community.”

The Argus:

The force said it would release updates "as soon as we are in a position to do so".

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