Sussex Police arrest nine people in connection with recent protests

Sussex Police has arrested nine people in connection with a number of protests across the county last week.

Following criminal disorder seen around the country, commonly fuelled by misinformation and threatening language online, Sussex Police and its partners have carried out a huge amount of work to protect our communities and identify those involved in linked unlawful activity.

Nine people have now been arrested as part of that operation.

On 4 August, a 43-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested on suspicion of publishing or distributing written material about racial hatred. He has been released on bail. 

On 4 August, an 18-year-old man from Haywards Heath was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and released under investigation while enquiries continue. 

On 7 August, 45-year-old Joseph Clark, of Hayling Rise in Worthing, and a 42-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of sending offensive messages by public communication work, following concerning social media posts.

Clark was jailed for 14 weeks on Friday (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 in relation 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/abusive behaviour contrary to the Public Order Act. He has been released on bail. 

On Saturday, 10 August in Crawley, a 30-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of sending false information with intent to cause harm. He has been bailed pending further enquiries, with strict conditions not to post on social media. 

 On Saturday, 10 August, a 62-year-old man from Seaford was arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred and released on bail while enquiries continue.

On Sunday, 11 August, Ian Ward, 53, of Old Mill Close, Portslade, was arrested and charged with affray, assaulting an emergency worker and common assault, relating to a counter protest in Brighton on Wednesday (7 August).

He pleaded guilty to all charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (12 August) and will appear for sentencing at a court to be confirmed on Tuesday (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.”