Working together to tackle youth disorder in Brighton and Hove

Sussex Police is working closely with schools, families, local businesses, and community partners to address the recent youth-related disorder across Brighton and Hove.

Over the last few weeks, repeated large gatherings of young people have been seen on Brighton seafront, including on the Lower Esplanade near to the bottom of West Street, and on Hove Lawns.

On some days, more than 200 young people have gathered, leading to incidents of anti-social behaviour and, in some cases, serious violence.

On May 30, a 16-year-old boy from Crawley was arrested after two people were stabbed on Hove Lawns.

Officers attending these gatherings have also faced hostility, including verbal abuse and physical assaults, all while working to keep the public safe.

As part of ongoing efforts to prevent further disorder and safeguard attendees, officers have seized large quantities of alcohol, often from minors.

Many young people have been found heavily intoxicated, leaving them vulnerable to harm, and in several cases, officers have had to contact parents and carers who were unaware their child was attending the gatherings.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Nicola Fisher said:
"We want young people to enjoy themselves safely and responsibly, but recent events have shown how quickly things can escalate into dangerous circumstances, where individuals could be putting themselves and others at risk.

"We are not here to spoil celebrations, but we are here to prevent harm and ensure the safety of the community.

"As part of the ongoing aim to tackle disorder, we continue to encourage parents to speak with their children about the risks of attending these unsupervised large gatherings, and to maintain open conversations about their whereabouts and plans."

Local businesses, particularly convenience stores and off-licences, are being encouraged to remain alert and to refuse the sale of alcohol to anyone suspected of purchasing on behalf of underage individuals.

Officers are conducting engagement visits and providing guidance on responsible retail practices, including the importance of challenging suspicious purchases of alcohol.

As well as enforcement, there is a strong focus on prevention.

Police are engaging with schools across the city, recognising that many of the young people involved are pupils.

This partnership approach is crucial to helping young people understand the consequences of their actions, both for their own safety and the safety of others.

In the coming weeks, Sussex Police will continue to maintain a visible presence in key areas across the city.

Officers will engage positively with young people, confiscate alcohol where necessary, and take appropriate action to prevent disorder.

Anyone found engaging in disorder or putting others at risk of harm will face follow-up action and possible criminal consequences.

Police are using a range of powers to respond swiftly and proportionately to these incidents:
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs):
These orders are in place across Brighton and Hove and enable officers to confiscate alcohol from any individual, regardless of their age, if it may lead to anti-social behaviour. Refusal to comply may result in a fine issued by Brighton & Hove City Council.

Section 34 Dispersal Orders:
These orders allow officers to ask individuals to leave an area to prevent disorder. Failure to comply is a criminal offence and may lead to being arrested.

Section 50 of the Police Reform Act 2002:
This power allows officers to request the name and address of anyone suspected of engaging in anti-social behaviour. Refusal to provide these details is an offence.