POLICE have increased their presence after a shooting hoax.

An investigation was launched following reports of a shooting at a home in Durrington Lane, Durrington, on Friday, April 8.

Officers and a police helicopter attended the scene to ensure the welfare of residents and help locate suspects.

However, police later confirmed it to be a false report.

On Monday, April 11, police said they have increased their presence in the area following the hoax shooting.

The Argus: Police at the scene of a shooting hoax in Durrington Police at the scene of a shooting hoax in Durrington

“Officers attended and secured the premises to ensure the welfare of the occupants,” a police spokesman said.

“Enquiries are ongoing, and the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area.”

Following the initial report, a spokesman for Sussex Police said: “There were no injuries and enquiries revealed this was in fact a hoax call.

The Argus: Police at the scene of a shooting hoax in Durrington Police at the scene of a shooting hoax in Durrington

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

“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. They also 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.