A man has been led away from a Brighton supermarket after a five-and-a-half-hour police siege.

Sainsbury's in Lewes Road, Brighton, called police at 2.15pm today after a man locked himself in the toilets claiming he had a gun and a bomb.

Sussex Police negotiators tried to persuade him to come out. At 7.41pm officers stormed the toilets and arrested him.

Police said no-one else was involved and no firearms or explosives were found after his arrest.

Chief Inspector Helen West from Brighton neighbourhood response team said: "While officers were not able to confirm whether he had a firearm or any form of explosive device until the last few minutes, they continued to talk to him and tried to establish what his concerns were. "I should like to thank both the staff and customers of the store who reacted quickly to enable my officers to carry out their negotiations in a calm and quiet atmosphere. Also, colleagues in the fire and ambulance services who stood by throughout in support of the operation."

Police said a 46-year-old man from Essex was arrested in connection with making threats to commit criminal damage and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to be checked over before being taken into custody.

The Sainsbury's store was not expected to reopen yesterday night.

Did you see what happened?

Call The Argus on 01273 544520 or email ben.parsons@theargus.co.uk.