Police left covered in paint after being attacked in ransacked showroom standoff

Pictures taken at the scene show open paint cans lying on the ground of the store and smashed windows.

Paint was also thrown at officers who responded to the incident, according to the Telegraph.

A man was restrained and taken to hospital for medical treatment, Sussex Police stated.

A force spokesman said: "We were called to a report of a man acting erratically and causing a disturbance in a shop in Western Road, Hove, on Wednesday (October 8) at about 3.25pm.

“The man refused to comply and threw objects at the officers.

"He was eventually restrained safely and has been taken to hospital for medical treatment. No one was hurt in the incident.

“The road was closed while officers dealt with the incident but has now re-opened.”

One business owner nearby claimed the man "locked himself inside" the store.

She told The Telegraph: "Someone has broken into the shop, he has thrown all the paints around.

"I think he locked himself inside. All the windows have paint on them. Some of them are broken. He is already gone with the ambulance."

A Farrow and Ball spokesman confirmed the showroom was damaged but all staff were safe.

He said: “We are aware of an incident that took place at our Hove showroom earlier today [Wednesday].

“The wellbeing of our store team remains our top priority – we’re pleased to confirm that all colleagues are safe and are receiving support from emergency services and our senior leadership team.

“The showroom has sustained some damage, which we are currently assessing.

"We will share an update on reopening plans as soon as possible.”

A five litre can of paint from Farrow and Ball sells for around £100 each.

The paint manufacturer is known for using unusual names for its products, such as Potted Shrimp and Dead Salmon.

The names have sparked criticism from animal rights charity PETA, which last year urged they be changed to more "vegan-friendly labels that don’t promote animal suffering".

PETA's Vice President of Corporate Projects, Yvonne Taylor, said at the time: "Renaming colours that normalise animal abuse is one way to remind others that animals are not food but sentient individuals and members of the delicate ecosystem we all share.”