Two charged in connection with armed incident in St Leonards

Two men have been charged in connection with an armed incident in St Leonards.

Jackson-Lee Scriven, 23, of Windmill Road, Gillingham, has been charged with being in possession of a firearm/imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence and affray. He has been remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 1 February.

Hayden Inglis, 29, of Wood Mews, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has been charged with affray and being in possession of a knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place. He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (30 January) and was remanded in custody to next appear before Lewes Crown Court on 27 February.

Police received multiple reports of shots being fired towards a vehicle in Theaklen Drive at around 7.10pm on Tuesday 24 January.

Shortly afterwards, a report was received of a man in possession of a firearm and others in possession of knives near Churchill Court in nearby Stonehouse Drive.

Armed units responded to the scenes of both incidents, assisted by specialist officers from neighbouring forces and a National Police Air Service helicopter, in a bid to minimise the threat to the public.

No injuries were reported.

Following the incident, police carried out four search warrants, leading to a number of arrests.

Numerous weapons were also seized, including machetes, blank firing pistols and ammunition, and a baton.