A MAN is being quizzed by officers tonight over claims he had threatened to kill a woman.

Armed police have to be called in over fears for her safety in Telscombe Cliffs.

They swooped on an address linked to a 44-year-old man at Lustrells Vale in Saltdean this afternoon.

Witnesses reported seeing officers carrying guns speaking with someone inside a block of flats there after 2.30pm.

It followed a report by a woman in Telscombe Cliffs at 11.30am.

Police said threats had been made by a man known to her and criminal damage had been caused.

The armed officers were called in because a suspect had allegedly made threats to kill.

Residents in Saltdean looked on from a distance while a block of flats was surrounded.

A man was later arrested in Newhaven over the alleged incident.

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

“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.

The Argus: Armed police called over alleged threats made to a womanArmed police called over alleged threats made to a woman

“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.

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

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There were several police cars  parked in the street as the incident unfolded.

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.

"Shortly before 4pm, the suspect - aged 44 - was located in Newhaven and arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill. He remains in custody for questioning. 

"The victim is being supported by officers."