Armed police are stationed outside a block of flats as part of an ongoing incident.

Witnesses report seeing officers carrying guns appearing to speak with someone inside the building in Saltdean Vale this afternoon.

Sussex Police have confirmed they are searching for a man after receiving reports of threats being made to a woman by a man known to her.

A passerby told The Argus: "Initially a black, unmarked police car turned up and two armed officers got out.

The Argus: Armed police incident in Saltdean ValeArmed police incident in Saltdean Vale

"I'd seen the car driving along the seafront at about 2.30pm. Then, when I drove past the scene in Saltdean Vale at about 3pm, I saw them parked outside.

"There are plenty of people out on the street watching what is going on. Police are holding them back and keeping them away from the building.

"For a while they parked a police car across the road and closed it off, but I think that has reopened now.

"At one point they used a drone to look into one of the flats, and they have asked one of the occupants to come out.

The Argus: Armed police incident in Saltdean ValeArmed police incident in Saltdean Vale

"I think two police officers have gone in and two are outside."

There are several police cars currently parked in the road as the incident unfolds.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police were called to an address in Telscombe Cliffs at 11.28am to a report of threats being made to a woman by a man known to her and damage caused to property.

"The man left after an argument and enquiries led to an address in Saltdean where officers are continuing to search for him."