Diners downed their cutlery in shock as police on a drugs raid burst into a popular Italian restaurant.

A kilo of cocaine was seized and two men arrested as police searched Leonardo's in Church Road, Hove, yesterday.

More than a dozen officers from the Sussex Police crime and drug unit burst through the front doors.

They ordered everyone to keep their hands on tables while searches were carried out.

Officers apologised for interrupting meals but Detective Chief Superintendent Graham Cox, head of CID, today said: "I make no apology for trying to cut out the cancer of drugs in the city.

"A great deal of effort went into the operation and if any customers were upset then I suggest they take their complaints to those involved in drug dealing.

"Customers at the restaurant congratulated our officers and were pleased with our efforts."

One man in his 70s, who arrived for lunch at 12.50pm, said officers stormed in at 1.30pm.

"Between 12 and 18 policemen burst open the door and started yelling at the top of their voices.

"They were telling people to keep their hands on the table and they were not allowed to leave.

"The police were all in armour and then another wave in crash helmets burst in. They would not answer any questions.

"The restaurant was nearly full. There were children in there and one elderly lady had a heart condition but the police took no notice whatsoever.

"My heart is still thumping now. There was no regard to ordinary members of the public minding their own business.

"There were children crying. One little lad was in his father's arms and could be traumatised for years."

Officers entered the building at different points and damaged part of neighbouring Callaways estate agents.

A partner with the firm, Martin Robinson, was full of praise for the police.

He said: "The police were very apologetic and they could not have been more helpful.

"They have asked us to get the damage mended and send them the bill."

A Sussex Police spokesman said the operation was the culmination of intelligence-gathering and investigations lasting several weeks.

He said: "A quantity of drugs, believed to be cocaine, was recovered and two men were arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply."

The two men arrested are believed to be in their thirties and from the Hove area.