A 61-YEAR-OLD man has been released on bail after reports of a shooting in Hove.

A large scale police operation was launched after shots were reportedly fired in First Avenue on Sunday night at about 9.30pm.

The road was closed off and the NPAS police helicopter was called to help with the search.

A man was arrested for possession of a firearm in a public place and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear and alarm.

He has now been released on bail until October 17 while the investigation continues.

Officers remained at the scene on Monday morning, with a police cordon around a Land Rover Defender parked outside an address.

Officers were also seen knocking on neighbouring doors as investigations into the shooting continue.

Pictures taken from the scene on Sunday show the scale of the police response with dozens of armed officers flooding the area.

The incident is not being treated as terrorist-related.

Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw said: "This is a fast moving investigation and I want to reassure the public that there is no threat to the wider community.

"This is not terrorist-related. We will continue to have a number of officers in the area while we continue our enquiries and I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding."