Daytime Robbery at Crawley Phone Shop
Photo – Sussex Police
Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a phone shop in Crawley. Officers were called to the incident at a premises at O2, The Martlets at around 11:50 am on 26 June, which involved two men forcing their way into the stock room and stealing around £50,000 of goods.
New images have been released of men police are seeking to identify in connection with the incident.
CID Supervisor Oli Robinson said: “We understand the men have their faces partially covered in the images, but we are appealing to those who may have seen the men that day, or recognise them from their local community.
“This was a brazen robbery committed in the middle of the day with other customers in the shop at the time.
“CCTV shows that the suspects were in the area of The Martlets for some time before, and we believe they have been in the store on prior occasions.”
If you recognise them, or have any information, call 101 quoting serial 612 of 26/06.
Crawley Drug Distributor Jailed for Over Three Years
In a significant development in the fight against drug distribution in Crawley, Omar Shackleton has been sentenced to three years and one month in prison for his involvement in the ‘JJ’ County Drug Line. Shackleton, 31, was found guilty of running Class A substances in the town.
Following extensive police enquiries, a warrant was executed at Shackleton’s home in Halstead Place, Halstead, Kent, on 8 March. During the search, officers discovered approximately £5,035 in cash, drug paraphernalia, numerous mobile phones, and a lump of brown substance which was later confirmed to be 40g of heroin mixed with Xzylazine and other cutting agents, valued at £4,000 on the street. An extendable baton, classified as an offensive weapon, was also seized.
Shackleton was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of criminal property, and possession of an offensive weapon. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody. On 2 July, he appeared before Lewes Cr..
Four-Year Sentence for Worthing Man in Child Indecency Case
Lewis Peters, a 31-year-old resident of Worthing, has been sentenced to four years in prison for possession of indecent images of children. Peters was arrested on June 3 at his home following an intelligence-led operation by Sussex Police’s Online Child Abuse Team (OCAT).
During the operation, Peters attempted to conceal a small memory card containing 250 category A indecent images and videos of children. Further investigation revealed his phone also contained 32 Category A images, 74 Category B images, and 12 Category C images. These findings put Peters in breach of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) issued to him in April 2023.
Appearing before Hove Crown Court on July 5, Peters pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent photo of a child, four counts of breaching a SHPO, and possession of extreme pornographic images. On July 16, he was sentenced to four years in prison.
Investigator Maisie Upjohn of Worthing OCAT stated, “Lewis Peters appears to be determined ..
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Serious Assault in Bognor
Sussex Police are appealing for information following a serious assault outside Tesco Express on Station Road. The incident occurred on June 24 at approximately 8.25pm, resulting in a man sustaining serious injuries.
Officers have released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the assault.
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact the police online or call 101, quoting serial 1341 of 24/06.
Man Linked to Two Rapes in Bognor Regis Charged by Police
Sussex Police have charged a man following investigations into two reported rapes in Bognor Regis.
On 20 June 2023, police received a report of a rape that occurred during the early hours near The Esplanade beach area in Bognor. Specialist officers supported the victim as an investigation commenced.
Patrik Lis, 30, of Sussex Street, Bognor Regis, was arrested in September and released on bail with strict conditions while evidence was gathered.
A second report of rape was made on 2 July 2024, at around 5am off London Road in Bognor. This incident, bearing similarities to the first, led to a swift investigation that identified Lis as the suspect.
Lis has been charged with multiple offences: three counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, two counts of causing actual bodily harm, and one count each of sexual assault, intentional strangulation, and intentional suffocation. Neither victim was known to Lis.
He was remanded in custody at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 5 July a..
Cannabis Factory Dismantled in Hove
Officers from the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) have seized more than 100 cannabis plants at an address in Eaton Gardens, Hove.
Acting on a tip-off, police attended the address at approximately 5pm on July 9, discovering the plants at various stages of maturity inside the property. The drugs found have an estimated street value exceeding £50,000.
The TEU officers dismantled the cannabis factory, ensuring all items related to the production of the class B drug will be destroyed.
Inspector Dan Eagle said: “We received information from the public about a possible cannabis factory in Eaton Gardens.
“As a result of the information, our TEU officers executed a warrant at the address.
“It demonstrates our determination to disrupt the supply of drugs which cause so much harm in our communities, and to dismantle the infrastructure and criminal networks operating it.
“We encourage anyone with concerns or information about drug supply to come forward to us and report it to Sussex Police o..
Police Investigate Alleged Spiking and Assault in Brighton
Sussex Police are appealing for information following an incident where a man reported being spiked and then assaulted outside a shop in Western Road, near Clarence Square, on June 27th, between 7 pm and 8 pm.
A 40-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested in connection with the report. He is suspected of false imprisonment, administering a noxious substance, and assault. The suspect has since been released on bail while investigations continue.
There are believed to have been many witnesses to the incident. Sussex Police urge anyone who saw what happened or has footage of the area to come forward.
If you have any information or footage regarding the incident, please contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1465 of 27/06.
MP Andrew Griffith’s Land Rover Defender Stolen from Station Car Park
Andrew Griffith, the Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs and the Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, has taken to the internet to appeal for help in finding his stolen Land Rover Defender. The vehicle was taken from a station car park while Griffith was attending Parliament.
Photo – Andrew Griffith MP
The theft occurred between 11:45 am on Tuesday and 4:20 pm on Thursday when Griffith returned to collect his car. The Land Rover Defender, known for its unique identifiers, should be easily recognisable.
Mr. Griffith has issued a public statement, offering a substantial reward for any information leading to the recovery of the vehicle or the arrest of those responsible. He urged anyone with information to contact Sussex Police or reach out to him directly.
Fire and Rescue Teams Execute Rescue in St Leonards
Emergency services were called on Wednesday morning to an incident in Warrior Square, St Leonards, where a person required rescue from height. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) attended the scene alongside Sussex Police, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
A spokesperson for ESFRS stated, “We were called on July 17 at 08:48 AM to reports of a rescue from height in Warrior Square, St Leonards. Crews from Bohemia Road Hastings, The Ridge Hastings, Battle, and Bexhill, including the aerial ladder platform and rope rescue team, assisted emergency services to rescue the casualty, who was handed over to the care of the ambulance service. Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) were also in attendance.”
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed about the incident.
The coordinated effort among the various emergency services ensured the safe rescue of the ..
Police Seek Driver After Elderly Woman Injured in Saltdean
Police are appealing for the driver of a car involved in a collision with a pedestrian in Saltdean to come forward. The incident took place on Wednesday, June 5th, at 9:30 AM, at the junction of Chichester Drive East and the A259 Marine Drive.
An 83-year-old woman was struck by a dark blue car as it turned from Marine Drive into the junction. Initially, the driver stopped, and it was believed that the pedestrian had sustained only minor injuries. However, it was later confirmed that she had suffered a broken hip.
Paul Wood from the Collision Process Unit said, “We are asking for the driver of the blue car involved to come forward and would also like to hear from any other witnesses who saw the collision or have any dashcam footage of it.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to email [email protected], quoting CRaSH 1461147.
Suspected Firearm in Crawley Leads to Five Arrests
Police in Crawley, West Sussex, deployed firearms officers to an address in Langley Green this Tuesday evening (16th July 2024) following a report of a man seen with a suspected firearm.
At the scene in Walnut Lane, five men were quickly and safely arrested. One individual was taken into custody for possession of a firearm, while the other four were detained on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.
Sussex Police said “No one was harmed during the incident, and enquiries are ongoing. Our officers remain in the area to provide reassurance to the community. Please speak to them if you have any concerns.”
Man Charged with 18 Counts of Rape and Sexual Assault
Detectives in Sussex have charged Sahil Ali, 19, of Corbyn Crescent in Shoreham, with 18 counts of rape and serious sexual assaults related to two teenage girls and a woman.
Ali faces nine counts of rape of a woman over 16 years of age, five counts of rape of a girl aged between 13 and 15, two counts of assault by penetration, actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation. The alleged offences took place in West Sussex between November 2022 and July 2024.
The victims, a woman in her 30s and two teenage girls, are known to Ali and are being supported by specially trained officers. Ali appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (10 July) and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 8 August.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cobbett said, “A complex investigation is ongoing into these distressing allegations, and I would like to thank each of these victims for coming forward and reporting to police.”
“Making sure women and girls feel safe on the..
Brighton Collision Leaves Pedestrian Seriously Injured
Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision involving a pedestrian and a minibus in Brighton. The incident occurred on Tuesday (16 July) at about 8:55 am in Elm Grove.
The woman pedestrian has been taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the minibus was uninjured. Following a thorough investigation by Sussex Roads Police, the road has now reopened in both directions.
Sergeant Stacey Ellott stated, “We would like to hear from anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage of the collision or from any witnesses who saw what happened.”
Anyone with information is urged to email [email protected] quoting Operation Bonelli.
Police Seek Suspect in Racially-Aggravated Incident at Brighton Aldi
Police are investigating a report of racially-aggravated threatening or abusive behaviour that took place in Brighton and have issued an image of a man they wish to speak with.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:10 pm on June 24 at the Aldi supermarket located on London Road. A man displayed threatening or abusive behaviour towards a woman and her nine-year-old son, prompting an immediate investigation by the authorities.
Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant information, including mobile phone footage, to come forward. They are particularly keen to speak with a man described as being in his early 20s, with either very short hair or shaved, standing at 6’1″, and having ear piercings.
At the time of the incident, the man was wearing a distinctive black T-shirt featuring white writing that appeared to be in Norse runes and an image depicting a wolf or wolves and knives. He also wore a necklace with a silver far-right logo, a black watch with black lea..
A27 Westbound Closed Between A29 Near Fontwell and A285 Near Chichester Due to Collision
The A27 westbound is currently closed between the A29 near Fontwell and the A285 near Chichester following a significant collision. Sussex Police are on the scene, managing the situation and directing traffic. [block_2] [block_4] Delays are expected on the approach to the closure, with additional journey times likely on the diversion routes. Motorists are advised […]
Sussex Police Hunt for Shoplifting Duo
Police are actively searching for Katie Everson and Daniel Mansfield, both 39 years old, who are wanted in connection with multiple shoplifting offences. Authorities believe the two may be together and frequenting the Worthing, Shoreham, Brighton, and Eastbourne areas. [block_2] Katie Everson is described as a white female of slim build with brown hair. Daniel […]
Vulnerable Person Rescued from Water Near Brighton’s West Pier
On Thursday afternoon at approximately 3:15 PM, the Shoreham inshore lifeboat was launched in response to a report of a vulnerable person in the water off the West Pier, Brighton. If you see someone in difficulty in the water, please phone 999 and ask for the coastguard. [block_2]
Former Sussex Police Officer Cleared of Misconduct After Pedestrian Injury Incident
A former Sussex Police officer who seriously injured a pedestrian while responding to an emergency incident in Brighton has been cleared of any misconduct by a panel. The panel was informed that on 17 July 2019, former PC Wellfare was responding to an emergency call in a marked police car. While overtaking a taxi that […]