Stand-off between armed police and pensioner believed to have gun enters third day in Sussex village

Negotiations continue at surrounded property in Pagham

Armed police at the scene on Harbour Road, Pagham, where they are in a stand-off with a 72-year-old man who is thought to have a gun. (PA)

A stand-off between armed police and a pensioner refusing to leave his home in a seaside village in Sussex has entered its third day.

Officers surrounded the house in Pagham on Sunday after receiving reports that the 72-year-old man inside had a gun and was exhibiting “threatening behaviour”.

A woman was inside at the time but left after emergency services arrived and is safe and well.

Armed police at the scene on Harbour Road, Pagham, where they are in a stand-off with a 72-year-old man who is thought to have a gun. (PA)

Sussex Police said the man remains inside the property and is communicating with specialist negotiators.

Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor said: “I appreciate this must be a little disconcerting and frustrating for local residents having a continued large police presence outside their homes.

“The safety of the local community is paramount and we are doing all we can to resolve this ongoing incident in a controlled way.

“The road closure and cordons remain in place but residents are still free to come and go as and when they need to with police support.

“We would once again like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding.”

Emergency services remain on stand-by at the scene but there have been no reports of injuries.

The house sits in Harbour Road, on a dirt track between the seafront and a nature reserve.

Trevor Hawkins, 54, said he could see four police officers from his home, which has been cordoned off as part of the operation.

“Down this street, on the whole, everybody is quite friendly and says good morning so for something like this to happen is totally out of the ordinary," the landscape gardener told the Press Association.