POLICE launched a hunt for a man following "concerns for his safety".

The force helicopter scoured Whitehawk in Brighton this afternoon helping ground units with the search.

A man was arrested shortly before 5pm on suspicion of making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.

Brighton and Hove Police first issued a statement on the operation shortly after 4.30pm.

A spokesman said: "Our police officers, assisted by the police helicopter, are currently looking for a man in the Whitehawk area of Brighton following concerns for his safety.

"He was last seen in the Plaistow Close area.

"No one has been harmed and the search is ongoing."

At 4.53pm, the force provided a further update.

A spokesman said: "Police officers assisted by the police helicopter were searching for a man in the Whitehawk area this afternoon following concerns for his safety.

"He has now been detained safely and the search has been stood down."

Sussex Police have since said that the man was "safely detained in the city and arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon. He is now in custody" after being spotted at Plaistow Close.