Police have arrested a man who locked himself inside a medieval church and sparked a 25-hour siege.

Officers entered St Martin’s in Overstrand at around 5.30pm today, bringing to an end the lengthy stand-off.

They say the man, who is aged in his 30s, was not injured in the incident.

Inside the 15th-century building, police found a 12-inch machete and a flagpole that had been sharpened to resemble a spear.

Officers were called to the church just before 4pm on Thursday following reports a man in "significant mental health distress" was alone inside. 

Specialist police resources - including negotiators and firearms officers - were at the scene for most of the day. 

Chief Inspector Nick Paling said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience and assistance as we did our very best to manage this incident as safely and as quickly as possible.

"I’m pleased this has now ended and the man is being looked after by medical professionals.”