Police were called to a dramatic scene at the Farrow & Ball paint shop in Western Road, Hove, on Wednesday afternoon (8 October) after reports of a man acting erratically inside the store.
Officers arrived at around 3.25 pm following calls from the public reporting a disturbance. Witnesses said the man was shouting, throwing items, and causing significant damage to the interior of the high-end paint retailer.
The man refused to comply with officers’ instructions and began throwing objects at them. During the incident, windows were smashed and paint splattered across the shop floor and onto the pavement outside.
Some people nearby reported hearing what sounded like gunshots, but police later confirmed that no firearms were discharged. The noise was likely caused by objects breaking during the struggle.
After a brief confrontation, officers were able to restrain the man safely. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment. No injuries were reported among officers, shop staff, or members of the public.
A section of Western Road was temporarily closed while emergency services dealt with the situation. The road has since reopened, though the shop remains cordoned off while repairs and cleaning take place.
Photos from the scene show broken glass and paint covering the entrance to the shop, with several police vehicles parked outside as officers secured the area.
The Farrow & Ball store, known for its designer paint and wallpaper ranges, is expected to remain closed while the damage is assessed and repairs are carried out.
Local businesses have described the event as shocking but praised the swift response of the police.
The exact circumstances behind the man’s behaviour have not been confirmed, and police say enquiries are ongoing.
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