Police stand-off with man on ledge in South Street Tarring

Officers were called to a flat in South Street, Tarring, at about 10.02pm last night to a report of an assault on a woman.

When police arrived, the suspect barricaded himself inside the property.

Specialist negotiators were called in to speak with the man, who then made his way onto the roof.

Pictures from the scene show the man clutching a bottle and smoking a cigarette as officers pleaded with him to come down from the ledge of Xtreme Tyres.

A number of tiles were thrown to the ground, causing damage, but no injuries.
Negotiations went on for several hours. The force managed to gain access to the flat, as other officers stood on the street below.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Shortly after 3am, the suspect climbed down from the roof of his own accord and was safely detained.

"A 34-year-old man from Worthing was arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm, causing criminal damage and making threats to kill. He remains in police custody.

"The victim – a 26-year-old woman from Worthing – sustained facial injuries which did not require hospital treatment. She made her way to a place of safety and is assisting police with enquiries.

"A section of South Street was temporarily closed to allow for debris to be cleared, and the scene has been secured for forensics enquiries to be carried out this morning.'