RESIDENTS  helped police chase a "knifeman" through the city centre. 

An officer was approached in North Street, Brighton, at 1.40pm today by members of the public who reported the man had a knife.

The 'knifeman' was approached by police and ran off.

He was chased by officers on foot before being detained on the seafront promenade and arrested.

Chief Inspector Roy Hodder said: “I’d like to thank those members of the public who drew the man to our attention in the first place and also those who assisted officers as they pursued the man through the streets before detaining and arresting him.”

A 24-year-old man from Newhaven was arrested on suspicion of threatening behaviour. He remains in custody.