Sussex knifeman arrested after eight-hour stand-off with armed police

Officers were called to the Royal Norfolk Hotel in The Esplanade, Bognor Regis, at 9.28am this morning (April 20) to reports of a man in distress and possessing a large knife.

A cordon was set up around the area, police said, and the only two members of staff inside the hotel left safely.

See pictures from the scene here: Armed police in Bognor: pictures from the scene

Police said a specialist negotiator managed to successfully engage with the man, who was 37 years old and local to the area, and at 5.30pm he was arrested by armed officers on suspicion of affray.

There were no injuries and no shots were fired, police added.

Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we responded to this incident.

"There was a significant police presence, but it was an isolated incident contained to the hotel and there was no threat to the wider community.

"Local officers will be on duty in the area all evening."