Terrified shoppers ran to safety as a blood-drenched man brandishing an 8in knife ran amok in a shopping centre.

The man, thought to be in his early 20s, hurled abuse and waved the blade at people in Western Road, North Street, New Road and Ship Street, Brighton.

People drinking outside Mrs Fitzherbert's and the Mash Tun pubs in New Road ran inside screaming as the man staggered around their tables with blood pouring from what were thought to be self-inflicted head injuries.

Police cars scoured the streets before officers in stab vests finally cornered the man outside the post office in Ship Street.

No one was injured apart from the man himself but witnesses were left shaken.

Dancer Emily Keeney, 24, said: "I saw this group of guys outside the Dome.

"They were tussling and I though they were having a play fight.

"Then this man emerged from them covered in blood and staggering. He looked a complete mess. No one went to help him. Everyone just ignored him, which I found really shocking. He had blood pouring from his face and I got him a seat and tried to talk to him.

"He was white as a sheet and not making any sense.

"All of a sudden, he stood up and pulled this 8in kitchen knife from the back of his trousers.

"He stumbled through the tables and everyone ran inside.

"He went to peer around the corner then stood there ready with the knife, muttering 'I've got to get them'.

"I asked him what he was doing and told him to calm down but he wasn't paying any attention.

"He was really determined."

After looking around the corner once more, the man fled down New Road towards The Lanes.

Miss Keeney said: "I tried to chase after him because I was so worried about what he might do. I wanted to get through to him and calm him down. But he was too fast."

A police spokeswoman said: "We started getting calls from members of the public just after 6pm.

"A man in a white tracksuit was running down Western Road with a large knife.

"He threw a bottle at Marks & Spencer and threatened someone in a phone box.

"We started searching for him then ten minutes later we started getting lots of calls from people in New Road.

"By this time he was covered in blood from injuries we believe he caused to himself. We caught him in Ship Street and arrested him.

"This was a terrifying incident for the public."

A man was later being questioned in connection with incident. Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.