Police evacuated 20 houses after a man in a nearby property threatened to self-harm.

Officers closed off part of Old London Road in Hastings in the early hours of this morning as specialist negotiators were brought in to speak with the man.

After a stand-off which lasted almost three hours, a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threats to destroy or damage own property, and endanger life.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "At 3am on Monday, March 8, Sussex Police attended a property in Old London Road, Hastings, following concerns for the welfare of a man. The man, who lives alone, made threats to self-harm.

"Police negotiators and other emergency services attended the scene and the road was closed.

"Officers evacuated 20 nearby houses as a safety measure and following liaison with the council, those displaced were moved to a temporary safe location."

At 5.45am, the man came out of the property, safe and well.

The police spokeswoman said: "A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of threats to destroy or damage own property – endanger life. He remains in police custody at this time.

"The road reopened at 6.12am and the residents were able to return to their homes."