Sussex Police are appealing for information following a serious assault on a man near Balcombe, which is being treated as a hate crime aggravated by homophobia.
The incident occurred at about 11pm on February 22 off the B2110 High Street at Cowdray Forest. The victim had stopped in a car park shortly after the junction with the B2036 when he was approached by a passenger from another vehicle.
The suspect vehicle is believed to have been a dark-coloured Volkswagen Polo. A passenger exited the vehicle and proceeded to assault the victim, inflicting injuries consistent with burns.
The suspect is described as a stocky man, approximately 5’11” tall, with strawberry blond hair, and aged in his 20s or 30s. After the attack, the driver of the suspect vehicle left the area, turning left back along the B211 towards the B2036.
Police Response & Investigation
Detectives are actively investigating the assault, and police have increased both plain-clothes and uniformed patrols in the area to provide reassurance and prevent further offences.
District Commander Chief Inspector Steve Turner stated:
“This was a shocking incident that has left the victim shaken. He has received support from our officers. It is being treated as a hate crime, and we are asking people in the area to be vigilant.
We are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to come forward and report it to us. This includes anyone in the area at the time and anyone with relevant CCTV, dashcam, mobile phone, or doorbell footage in the area.”
How to Provide Information
🔹 Online: Report via the Sussex Police website
🔹 Call: 101, quoting serial 49 of 24/02
🔹 Anonymous Tip: Contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111
Sussex Police continue their inquiries and are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
