A MAN arrested after an armed police incident in Bexhill involving reports of a bladed weapon has now been detained under the Mental Health Act, Sussex Police have confirmed.
Officers were called to Third Avenue at around 12.40pm on Saturday (16 May) following reports of a man with a bladed weapon. No members of the public were harmed during the incident, which later moved to Ravenside Retail and Leisure Park in De La Warr Road, where officers deployed a distraction device to safely detain the man.
A 46-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm, possession of a bladed article in a public place, affray, and criminal damage.
After being taken to hospital for medical checks, police confirmed he has since been detained under the Mental Health Act and remains in the care of medical professionals.
Detective Superintendent Jayantha Mendis-Gunasekera said: “We understand the concern this incident will have caused, and I’d like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while officers responded to the incident.
“Our priority is safety, and the deployment of distraction tactics enabled officers to swiftly detain the man and ensure public safety.
“After a thorough investigation, the man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for his safety and the safety of the public.”
