A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after police surrounded a derelict pub.

Sussex Police’s tactical enforcement unit surrounded The Junction pub in Station Road, Polegate, at 5.15am on Friday morning.

The woman was found safely and a 37-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of kidnap.

A police spokeswoman said: “The woman was located safely and after enquiries, a 37-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of kidnap. He remains in police custody at this time.

The Argus: Sussex Police entering the buildingSussex Police entering the building (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“The man and woman are known to each other and there is no threat to the wider public.”

Officers covered each exit of the former pub.

The cordon remained in place for a number of hours.