Sussex Police have arrested nine individuals in connection with various protests across the county last week. The arrests come amid a nationwide rise in criminal disorder, which authorities believe is being driven by misinformation and threatening language circulating online.
The operation, which involved significant collaboration between Sussex Police and other agencies, aims to protect local communities and hold accountable those engaging in unlawful activities.
Arrest Details
- On 4 August, a 43-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested on suspicion of publishing or distributing written material intended to incite racial hatred. He has since been released on bail.
- Also on 4 August, an 18-year-old man from Haywards Heath was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense. He has been released under investigation as inquiries continue.
- On 7 August, 45-year-old Joseph Clark, of Hayling Rise, Worthing, and a 42-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of sending offensive messages via public communication networks following concerning social media posts. Clark was sentenced to 14 weeks in jail on 9 August. The second man was released with no further action.
- On 8 August, a 53-year-old man from Aldwick was arrested on suspicion of racial hatred related to a YouTube video sharing the locations of hotels housing asylum seekers across the UK. He has been released on bail.
- On 9 August, a 40-year-old man from Crawley was arrested at a protest in Crawley on suspicion of threatening or abusive behavior under the Public Order Act. He has been released on bail.
- On 10 August in Crawley, a 30-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of sending false information with the intent to cause harm. He has been bailed pending further inquiries, with strict conditions preventing him from posting on social media.
- On 10 August, a 62-year-old man from Seaford was arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred. He has been released on bail while investigations continue.
- On 11 August, Ian Ward, 53, of Old Mill Close, Portslade, was arrested and charged with affray, assaulting an emergency worker, and common assault in connection with a counter-protest in Brighton on 7 August. Ward pleaded guilty to all charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12 August and is set to appear for sentencing on 13 August.
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “We have seen a number of events across Sussex over the last few days, and I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of the community for the peaceful nature that meant they passed without significant incident.
“Engagement will continue in our communities to offer reassurance and a clear point of contact for anyone with concerns.
“We have been clear that anyone involved in unlawful activity – either online or in person – would be met with a firm response and held to account for their actions.
“A number of investigations are ongoing, and those looking to stir up similar unlawful activity in future will be met with a robust response.
“Please report any suspicious activity or concerns to us immediately online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency, quoting Operation Skylark.”
