A man has been charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker in Eastbourne.
Around 2.30pm on Monday (June 6), two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) were on routine patrol when they were flagged down by a member of the public who said a man was believed to be intoxicated and acting strangely in Bolton Road.
The PCSOs made efforts to engage with the man, however he reacted angrily and further support was called to assist.
A Police Constable and Special Constable attended and attempted to detain the man in Terminus Road for a search for any offensive weapons. However, during this, a hostile crowd gathered and both officers were assaulted suffering minor injuries.
A man now known to be Benjamin Thomas was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and was taken into custody.
Thomas, 32, of Elms Avenue, Eastbourne, was subsequently charged with both offences and was released on unconditional bail to appear before Hastings Magistrates’ Court on July 20.
Superintendent Adam Hays said: “No one should be assaulted for simply doing their job.
“PCSOs, Police Constables and Special Constables all have an important role to play in keeping the public safe and I applaud the bravery they show in situations that can often be incredibly hostile and challenging.
“Any assaults or intentional harm directed towards them will absolutely not be tolerated.”
