A shop-owner whose replica weapons shop was at the centre of an armed scare was given a clean bill of health by police.

Neighbours raised the alarm after spotting a man apparently loading a pistol close to The Sword Shop in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, last month.

Police who raced to the scene discovered the man had just bought the BB gun from the shop.

Owner Malcolm Beith, a battle re-enactment enthusiast, has volunteered to stop selling BB guns or modern replica firearms.

Sergeant Justin Burtenshaw, of Hove police, said: "We went to see Mr Beith with trading standards following the incident with the armed response unit and have been impressed by his responsible attitude."