Police are investigating after the Brighton Centre was vandalised in the early hours of Thursday morning (October 10), just as a controversial feminist conference was due to begin.
Officers were called to the venue on Kings Road at around 4am following reports of criminal damage.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said:
“Police were called to the Brighton Centre in Kings Road, Brighton this morning (October 10) at around 4am following reports of vandalism.
It was found that a number of windows had been smashed and spray painted.
Officers are investigating the incident and encourage anyone who witnessed anything suspicious, or who has any relevant information or footage to come forward.
Information can be reported online or by dialling 101 quoting serial 136 of 10/10.”
The vandalism took place ahead of a women’s conference which has drawn both support and criticism due to its stance on gender and sex-based rights.
Ahead of the event, the Brighton Centre issued a statement acknowledging the tensions surrounding the conference and reaffirming its position as a neutral venue.
A spokesperson for the Brighton Centre said:
“We understand the anxiety and stress that many of our trans, non-binary and intersex residents are feeling at this time.
As a city, venue and a council, we will continue to strive towards our unwavering commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
The Brighton Centre has a long history of hosting events that represent a diverse mix of communities and perspectives.
Individual events represent a wide cross-section of opinions that should not be attributed to those of the attendees, audience or venue staff but are reflective of a democratic society.
It is not our intention to create division but to host a range of conferences that meet the needs of all people in the area.
As a conference venue we seek to provide a neutral space for hire and always seek to ensure we do not show bias to any group or individual but that we protect the principles of freedom of speech, as long as all our booked events operate within the law and in line with our venue hire policy.”
No arrests have been made at this stage, and police enquiries are ongoing
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