SEVEN people were arrested and five weapons seized in less than six hours as Sussex Police launched a crackdown on knife crime.

A man seen acting suspiciously by "concealing items in his trousers" in Worthing was among those detained in a busy day for the force.

A total of 24 officers were sent out out along the West Sussex coastline on Saturday alongside an investigations team to "develop lines of enquiry".

The action started in the early afternoon, when roads policing teams stopped a motorist on suspicion of speeding on the A27 at Patching, near Angmering, at about 1pm.

The driver failed a roadside drugs test.

A 28-year-old man from Littlehampton was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and driving without due care and attention, and has been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

Just 30 minutes later, a 30-year-old believed to have been responsible for damage to a property in Worthing last Tuesday was tracked down and arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

He was released under investigation.

At about 3pm, officers patrolling in Worthing became stopped a car on Queen Street.

They spotted drugs paraphernalia in the car and proceeded to search the vehicle.

A pocket knife and a hammer were seized, and a 65-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Within an hour, officers in the town had their hands full again.

This time, a man was seen "concealing items in his trousers" in Palatine Road.

When police searched him they uncovered a knuckle duster and a small amount of cannabis.

Joshua Hale of Samphire Drive in Worthing was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B drug.

The 24-year-old has been bailed to appear at Worthing Magistrates' Court in March.

At 5pm, police responded to a "minor" crash involving two cars in The Strand, Worthing. The driver of one of the vehicles failed a roadside breath test, and when he was search by officers a lock knife was found and seized.

A 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been bailed.

Then, at 6.15pm, officers in Worthing noticed a car "driving at speed". They stopped the vehicle and, as they approached it, recognised the smell of cannabis.

The driver failed a roadside drugs test.

A 27-year-old woman from Worthing was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and has been released under investigation.

The final incident of the day came not long after this.

At about 6.30pm Sussex Roads Police stopped a car in Arundel Road, Littlehampton.

The driver - a 26-year-old man from Yapton - failed a roadside drug test and was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. A small amount of cannabis was located in the vehicle. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Sergeant Scott Walters said: "This operation was a success and a great example of our teams working together to get results.

"Operation Safety is our dedicated response to tackling knife crime and violence in our local communities. Members of the public can expect our officers to increasingly be out in uniform and plain clothes targeting those who carry dangerous weapons.

"Drink and drug driving is completely unacceptable and shows a total disregard of the safety of the public. We will work wherever we can to support our RPU colleagues in cracking down on this dangerous behaviour.

"Anyone with information or concerns about knife crime can report it online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Safety. "