Four teenagers arrested in Brighton after swift police response

Four teenagers were arrested on suspicion of robbery on Thursday (January 20) after swift work by Brighton police officers.

Police received a call at 8.10pm on Thursday from a 19-year-old man who reported being robbed by a group of teenagers in Lewes Road.

A group matching the victim’s description were quickly picked up on CCTV by the force’s command centre, heading towards the Lewes Road Sainsbury’s.

Officers were swiftly on the scene and several foot chases ensued as the suspects split up and fled. Two of them were caught and detained within minutes.

As one of the suspects was being placed into a police car, a 17-year-old boy approached officers and reported having been robbed at knifepoint earlier that evening and identified the suspects in custody as being responsible.

Officers then conducted a wide search of the area and another two suspects were taken into custody later that evening.

The group was found to be in possession of a number of items believed to have been stolen during the robberies and from nearby shops.

An 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

A second 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of two robberies.

A third 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a Class B drug (cannabis) and possession with the intent to supply a Class B drug (cannabis).

An 18-year-old man from Surrey was also arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft.

All four have been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Inspector James Dover, of Brighton and Hove’s Response Unit, said: “This was a great example of a rapid response from officers from several different units, working together as a team to bring these suspects into custody.

“The initial reaction saw two suspects arrested within minutes and the officers were rewarded for the tenacity of a two-hour search by later detaining two further individuals.

“I would like to commend all of the officers and support staff involved, and thank the victims for reporting the incidents and assisting with our response.”