POLICE have launched an investigation following reports of a “shooting” at a home.

Officers were called to an address in Durrington Lane, Durrington after a report of shots being fired.

A police helicopter joined them at the scene to ensure the welfare of residents and help locate any suspects. 

However, it was later found to be a false report.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “There were no injuries and enquiries revealed this was in fact a hoax call.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we responded to this report.

The Argus:

“We’d also like to remind everyone that making a hoax call is an extremely serious offence which takes emergency services away from genuine emergencies, and this report will be fully investigated.”

Members of the public took to social media last night to report hearing “gunshots” and that people in the area were told to shut all windows and lock their doors.

Pictures taken in Salvington Road, Worthing show officers taking swabs and photographs of a phone booth and have cordoned off the area.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1335 of 08/04.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. www.crimestoppers-uk.org