Man arrested after axe scare in Worthing

A man has been arrested following reports of an individual seen with an axe in Worthing on Saturday evening.

Sussex Police responded to an incident on South Farm Road at around 7pm on 22 March, after receiving a report that a man had been spotted carrying an axe. Officers engaged with a local shopworker who alleged they had been threatened by the man earlier that evening.

A 40-year-old man with no fixed address was located at a nearby property, where police seized a small hatchet. He was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Following enquiries, including discussions with the reported victim, the man was released with no further action to be taken.

Police confirmed that safeguarding measures have been implemented to support the shopworker involved. A spokesperson stated that officers had liaised with the victim and determined that no further action would be pursued against the suspect.