Armed police raid East Preston property in early hours

Officers surrounded the front door of the address in Sea Road, East Preston, shortly before 3am yesterday.

Footage captured by a witness at the scene shows one group of officers surrounding the door of the address while another group is stationed next to a nearby police car.

Police raided a property in East Preston in the early hours

One officer can be seen leaning on the bonnet of the car, appearing to hold a gun which was aimed at the door.

Loud shouts of "make yourself known", "armed police", "show yourself now" and "hands on your head" could be heard as police ordered the occupant to exit the property.

Following the incident, Sussex Police units remained stationed at the scene throughout yesterday.

This morning, the force revealed a cannabis farm had been uncovered at the site after officers received a tip-off from members of the local community.

The police raid in East Preston

Three men, aged 32, 34 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug during the raid.

A 67-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply a Class B drug.

All four men have been released under investigation pending further enquiries. 

Sussex Police also explained that officers had remained at the scene for several hours as the sites were cleared and investigative work was carried out.

Detective Inspector Kimberly May said: "Thank you to the public for their patience and understanding while this work was being carried out, as it may have caused some disruption to local residents.

"If you have information or concerns about drugs in your area, then we want to know about. We ask the public to continue to make the right call and report information to us online or by calling 101."