A MAN threatened to shoot police after being told to keep the racket down at a block of flats.

There were reports of a dispute between neighbours at a block of flats in Priory Avenue, Hastings in the early hours of this morning.

Music was blaring, but a man refused to turn the volume down.

When police arrived, the man threatened to shoot them.

So armed officers were called in and the area was sealed off. It led to a stand-off for more than eight hours.

Police said a man came out of the property at 12.30pm.

A 40-year-old man was held on suspicion of making threats to kill, while a 40-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of affray. Both remained in custody this afternoon.

No one was harmed and the road was re-opened at 12.40pm.

Detective Sergeant Shelley Campbell said: “This incident started off as noise complaint and quickly escalated to a neighbour dispute and then the occupant threatening to harm police officers who had attended the scene. It was eventually resolved peacefully.

“After several hours and a man and a woman were arrested. We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident especially those who live in the block of flats who may have information which could help our investigation.”

Report online or ring 101 quoting Operation Dunsmore.

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