Armed police and a police helicopter were in attendance after reports of a man with a gun yesterday afternoon.
A member of the public contacted Sussex Police at roughly 4.30pm who had allegedly been seen carrying a weapon stuffed down his trousers in Southdown Road, Portslade.
Officers found the individual and it became apparent the item was “not a viable weapon”.
It was in fact a “paintball or Airsoft-type” gun.
Police spoke with the man and advised him how he should transport the item in future.
Independent councillor for North Portslade, Peter Atkinson, who was able to reassure residents that it was a false alarm said: "This was a really terrifying experience for many residents who had no idea that these two young men were just carrying airsoft guns.
"They looked real and people were shocked and distressed. This was a reckless and thoughtless act and has wasted thousands of pounds of taxpayers money and police time. The only positive was that it showed how quickly the police can react when there appears to be a real threat to life."
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