Witness Appeal: Sexual Assault in Worthing, Sussex Police Report
Sussex Police are calling for witnesses following a sexual assault reported in an alleyway off Salvington Road, Worthing.
The distressing event occurred between 6.45 pm and 7.45 pm on January 28. Authorities are on the lookout for a man described as wearing a hood, a dark padded coat with a reflective patch, dark gym trousers, and a face-covering.
The police urge anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward and assist the investigation by contacting them online or calling 101, quoting serial 1063 of 28/01.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Unprovoked Assault on Seaside Road, Eastbourne: Suspect Apprehended
In a concerning incident last night, emergency services, including officers from Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb), were dispatched to Seaside Road, Eastbourne, following reports of an assault that occurred around 6:00 pm.
Upon arrival, they found a 50-year-old local man who had suffered serious injuries due to an unprovoked attack. The victim was promptly taken to the hospital, where his injuries were determined to be severe yet not life-threatening.
Photo – @CRIMEWATCH123 A quick response from the authorities led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man from Eastbourne, who is now facing charges of grievous bodily harm. The suspect is currently being held in custody, awaiting further investigation.
A spokesperson from Sussex Police provided a detailed account of the event, stating, “Police were called to reports of an unprovoked assault in Seaside Road, Eastbourne, at around 6:15 pm on Thursday (7 March). The victim – a 50-year-old man from Eastbourne – was taken to hospital with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. A 39-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in custody at this time. There is no threat to the wider public.”
Police are now appealing to the public for any witnesses or individuals with information regarding the assault to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Community members are urged to contact the police online or call 101, quoting the reference serial 1020 of 07/03, with any relevant details.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Teenager Pele Cullum’s Chichester Shoplifting Spree Faces Court
In a spree of thefts, 18-year-old Pele Cullum has confessed to multiple shoplifting offenses in Chichester, starting with a substantial alcohol theft from Tesco on Fishbourne Road East at approximately 11.20 am on March 2.
Cullum’s criminal activities escalated quickly, with a subsequent theft of jackets worth around £1,500 from Cotswold on East Street at 1 pm. He didn’t stop there; returning to Tesco at 3.30 pm, Cullum targeted the alcohol section again, pilfering additional items.
The spree culminated at the Co-op on East Street at 4.40 pm, where Cullum’s actions caused significant damage, including overturning a wine tower and displacing crates of beer.
Residing on Bayford Road, Littlehampton, Cullum faced Crawley Magistrates’ Court on March 6, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of shoplifting and one of criminal damage. He is now awaiting sentencing, set for April 19 at Portsmouth Crown Court, where he remains in custody.
Detective Sergeant Colin O’Hare said: “Sussex Police take a firm stance on business crime, and we will put offenders before the courts when the evidence allows.
“Cullum’s behaviour was wholly unacceptable and those who go to work should not have to deal with this kind of behaviour during their everyday work.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Investigation Underway After Deadly Brighton Fire
In a devastating incident early this morning at 3:48 am, emergency services rushed to respond to a fire engulfing a residential property on Preston Road in Brighton. The situation quickly escalated, prompting road closures in the vicinity, diverting buses and traffic to ensure public safety.
Tragically, a 50-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene as firefighters from Preston Circus, Roedean, Newhaven, Bexhill, Lewes, and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service battled the flames in the three-story building’s basement flat.
Photo – Sussex News Amidst the chaos, a 36-year-old woman from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Sussex Police spokesperson issued a statement, urging the public’s cooperation: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a fire inside a property in Preston Road, Brighton. A road closure is in place from Ditchling Rise to the junction of Stanford Avenue. Please seek alternative routes while services work in the area.”
Enquiries to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are ongoing, with Sussex Police appealing for any information related to the incident. Individuals can make reports through the online reporting form or by calling 101, quoting Operation Tunnel.
Photo – Sussex News East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service provided additional details about their response to the incident. “We were called to a fire in a basement flat of a three-story building in Preston Road, Brighton at 3.48 on Sunday morning (March 10). Crews used breathing apparatus, an electric saw, and forcible entry to access the property. Despite the efforts, one fatality was reported, and a female was taken into the care of the ambulance service.”
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and a thorough fire investigation is set to take place.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
The Unsolved Mystery: Georgina Gharsallah’s Tragic Vanishing
Six years ago, on March 7th, 2018, Georgina Gharsallah vanished without a trace from the town of Worthing, West Sussex. Despite extensive searches and ongoing police investigations, her whereabouts remain unknown, leaving her family and the community heartbroken and desperate for answers.
Georgina’s disappearance has united the community, with people from all corners coming together to support her family and aid in the search efforts. Sussex Police have also been actively investigating the case, but to date, they have not been able to determine what happened to the young woman.
As the six-year anniversary of Georgina’s disappearance passes, her family and the community are once again reminded of the tragedy that has impacted their lives. They continue to keep her memory alive by sharing her story and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, who is leading the police investigation into Georgina’s disappearance, said: “We are as committed today as we were on day one to finding out what happened to Georgina.
“My team and I remain ready to investigate any viable lines of enquiry that come in and we can only do that with information from the public, so I would urge anyone with information to call into the police or call into Crimestoppers with that information.
“Five years is a really long time. People may have moved away from Worthing and then come back, or after this long period of time when perhaps they weren’t able to speak to the police before, they might feel ready and able to do so now.
“If that is the case we’re ready to hear from you, we want to hear from you, we’ll listen to what you say and we will follow up all viable lines of enquiry that come into us.”
Georgina was last seen in Clifton Food and Wine on Clifton Road, Worthing, on the morning of 7 March 2018.
There is a possible sighting of Georgina later that same day crossing Chapel Road in Worthing town centre with another woman, but despite extensive enquiries and appeals for information, it’s not been possible to categorically confirm the identity of either woman. Police continue to appeal for information in relation to the footage and ask anyone who recognises either of the women to come forward.
In August 2019, Georgina’s disappearance was recorded as a homicide and Crimestoppers are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.
Det. Supt Wolstenholme added: “We know Georgina is a much-loved mother, sister, and daughter and it’s hugely out of character for her to be out of touch with her family for such a long time.
“When you consider how long it has been, and the fact we’ve not been able to find any evidence of Georgina being active on her phone or bank accounts or had any physical sightings of her, we have to consider the possibility she’s come to harm, possibly at the hands of someone else.
“Recording the case as a homicide isn’t meant to take away hope of finding Georgina safe – and no one would be happier to be proved wrong than myself – but so that we could be open, honest and transparent about what it was we thought we were investigating and what we were deploying our resources to.”
The investigation into Georgina’s disappearance remains open and ongoing and anyone who has information relating to the case – no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be – is asked to report it to police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Pavo.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the investigation team via the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111. Both options are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Det Supt Wolstenholme said: “All missing people, regardless of the circumstances and regardless of their lifestyle or personal choices, are somebody’s son or daughter. Our investigation’s priority is to get to the truth of what happened to Georgina and bring a conclusion to all of these years of waiting for her mother Andrea and for her wider family and friends.
“In the same way that our investigation has continued for five years and will continue beyond, I know that Andrea’s campaign won’t stop until she’s got those answers that she needs about what happened to her daughter.
“Georgina deserves to be found and brought home, and her family deserve peace of mind in knowing what happened to her.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Sussex Police Seek Public Help Regarding St Wilfrid’s School Offences
In a recent development, Sussex Police are urgently calling for public assistance in relation to alleged sexual offenses that took place at the now-demolished St Wilfrid’s School in Seaford. These allegations stem from a distressing report by a former pupil, claiming he was sexually assaulted during his time at the school in the 1970s and 1980s.
The investigation has progressed, with a suspect being identified, leading to an 85-year-old man participating in a voluntary police interview while further investigations are ongoing.
Authorities are keen to gather more information and are reaching out to individuals who were connected to St Wilfrid’s School during the specified decades. Whether you were a student, staff member, or associated with the school in any capacity during the 1970s and 1980s, your input could be vital to the investigation.
If you have any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, you are encouraged to come forward. You can contact the police online or call 101, referencing the case with the number 47230002158. Your cooperation could be crucial in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Traffic Chaos in Peacehaven Following Car and Motorcycle Collision
This morning, Peacehaven in East Sussex experienced significant traffic chaos following a road traffic collision on the A259, exacerbating existing delays due to roadworks in nearby Saltdean and Peacehaven. The incident involved a car and a motorcycle, leading to emergency responses from ESFRS, SECAmb, and Sussex Police.
The motorcycle rider was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries following the collision. In response, authorities closed the A259 to facilitate emergency services and vehicle recovery, causing traffic to be diverted through local back streets, which brought the area to a standstill.
Image – Supplied After several hours, the road was reopened, easing the traffic congestion. A Sussex Police spokesperson provided details on the incident: “Police responded to a report of a collision between a car and a motorcycle on the A259 in Peacehaven at around 8am on Thursday 7 March. The motorcyclist has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. We are appealing to anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward and report it online or call 101, quoting incident 200 of 07/03.”
A spokesperson for ESFRS said “We were called on 7 March 2024 at 08.06 am to South Coast Road A259, Peacehaven.
There had been a road traffic collision between a car and a motorcycle.
One fire engine was sent from Newhaven. Crews liaised with Police and Ambulance. No one was trapped.
The area was made safe and one person was handed into the care of the ambulance crews.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Sussex Police Boosts Road Safety with Advanced Surveillance Tech
Sussex joins the forefront of road safety innovation as one of ten police forces across England to deploy advanced surveillance technology on the A23 by Handcross. This new system, mounted on vehicles or trailers, is equipped with multiple cameras to monitor driver and passenger behaviour, specifically targeting seatbelt usage and mobile phone handling while driving. […]
Police Dog Assists in Range Rover Theft Apprehension in St Leonards
A skilled police dog played a crucial role in apprehending three individuals involved in the theft of a Range Rover in St Leonards. The vehicle’s owner reported the theft from his driveway in the early hours of Saturday, March 2. Quickly, the stolen Range Rover was located by Hastings Response officers at Crowhurst Recreation Ground. […]
Brighton Fans Attacked in Rome Ahead of Europa League Match
Ahead of their crucial Europa League fixture, two Brighton fans encountered a harrowing ordeal in Rome’s Monti district, where they were assaulted and stabbed by a group of masked assailants. The victims, aged 28 and 29, were robbed and sustained significant injuries to their legs. The incident, which unfolded just after midnight, has raised serious concerns within the football community and has been extensively covered by La Repubblica.
A quick-thinking restaurant worker played a pivotal role in the aftermath, discovering the injured fans and ensuring they received prompt medical attention at San Giovanni and Umberto I Polyclinic hospitals. Thankfully, after receiving the necessary care, both individuals were discharged.
Brighton fan Joey Thorpe (@joeythorpe96) shared his own unsettling experience on social media. He and his friends were attacked in Rome, underscoring the gravity of the situation and reinforcing the call for caution among all Brighton supporters currently in the city. His warning serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with international travel, particularly in the context of high-profile football matches, urging fans to prioritize their safety in what has proven to be a volatile environment.
Me and a couple of my mates got attacked in Rome last night after leaving a bar.
Just want to say that every Brighton fan in Rome please be careful. It’s so dangerous out here and worse than Marseille. #bhafc
— Joey Thorpe (@joeythorpe96) March 7, 2024 This violent incident casts a shadow over the anticipated Europa League round of 16 match, where Brighton is set to face Roma at the iconic Olympic Stadium. In response, Brighton FC has issued a safety advisory, urging fans to exercise caution and secure travel insurance, highlighting the potential risks in Rome.
Liaison officers for Sussex Police PC Darren Balkham said today “We are aware of the incident reported in Italian media last night. Have spoken to both Brighton fans who are ok. We reiterate the advice of the club published on the pre match info.”
Mile Oak Petrol Bombing: Brothers Convicted, Substantial Cocaine Seized
In a shocking event that rattled the Mile Oak neighborhood, two men have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in a petrol bombing incident and related drug charges. The unsettling episode unfolded just before 11 pm on June 19, 2023, when residents of Graham Avenue were startled by the sound of shattering glass as petrol bombs set a vehicle and nearby shrubbery ablaze.
Photo – Sussex Police Ashley Khan, 31, from Rodmell Avenue in Saltdean, and his brother, Nathan Thomas, 33, of no fixed abode, were apprehended following detailed CCTV analysis, forensic tests, and a thorough police investigation. Their actions not only endangered lives but also led to a significant narcotics discovery, with substantial quantities of cocaine seized from Khan’s residence, alongside cannabis.
Charged and remanded for arson and drug offences, the brothers faced trial at Chichester Crown Court, resulting in their conviction for conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply cocaine, with Khan also found guilty of possessing cannabis. Their sentencing at Hove Crown Court saw Khan receive a five-and-a-half-year prison term, while Thomas was sentenced to four years.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Urgent Appeal for Witnesses of Sussex Multi-Car Crash
Sussex Police are urgently seeking witnesses and any relevant footage following a multi-vehicle crash involving a silver Vauxhall Corsa, a silver Toyota Yaris, and a blue Peugeot 206. The accident occurred at approximately 8 pm on Sunday, March 3, on the A271 Kitchenham Road, close to the A269 Boreham Hill junction. [block_2] An 18-year-old was […]
Drivers Warned of Major Delays on M2 Motorway After Vehicle Breakdown
Drivers on the crucial M2 motorway route in Kent have been issued an urgent warning as a major incident involving a vehicle breakdown has resulted in six-mile tailbacks and standstill traffic. [block_2] The disruption occurred after a vehicle broke down, leading to the closure of lanes on the M2 eastbound between Junction 5 at Sittingbourne […]
Help Sussex Police Locate Wanted Daniel Logan in Brighton
Police are seeking your help to locate 43-year-old Daniel Logan, who is wanted for a recall to prison. Daniel has connections in Worthing, Brighton, Eastbourne, and London.
Description of Daniel Logan:
Height: 6 feet
Race: White
Hair: Short, brown
If you have any information or spot Daniel Logan, please immediately contact Sussex Police by dialing 999 and mention the crime reference number 47230160800.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Brighton SEU Apprehends Suspects in Drug Bust
Following a patrol by Brighton’s Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU), two individuals were apprehended on drug-related charges. On February 21, SEU officers were tipped off about a suspicious Volvo cruising along Lewes Road.
They tracked the vehicle to an address in Richmond Heights, located in the city’s Hanover district, using unmarked cars. The vehicle’s driver, a 33-year-old Hove man, was taken into custody after officers discovered drugs and a sum of money inside the car. He faces charges related to the distribution of a class B substance, carrying an offensive weapon, and driving under the influence of drugs. Subsequent investigations led officers to his Hove residence, where they uncovered a substantial amount of cannabis.
Photo – Sussex Police This discovery resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old woman, also suspected of involvement in the class B drug trade and possession of an offensive weapon. Pending further investigation, both suspects have been released on bail
SEU Inspector Ollie Pullen said: “Our officers were alerted to the suspicious vehicle which had been linked to drug dealing in the city.
“We work hard to deny criminals the use of the road network and disrupt the supply of drugs that have a major impact on our communities.
After searching the vehicle and the home address we found a large quantity of cannabis and other suspected class A drugs, and a large amount of cash worth thousands of pounds. These were all seized as part of the investigation.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Police and Partners Collaborate to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime in Barnham
Sussex Police, in collaboration with various partners, have intensified efforts to address a surge in anti-social behaviour and crime in Barnham, emphasizing community engagement and proactive measures to ensure safety. [block_2] Over the last three months, spanning from October 2023 to January 2024, Sussex Police received a total of 52 reports concerning anti-social behaviour in […]
Sussex Police Apprehend Two in Stolen Range Rover Chase
In a response to a vehicle theft, Sussex police successfully apprehended two men after tracking down a Range Rover Sport SVR, reported stolen from Lewes Road, Eastbourne. The incident, which unfolded around 8.45 pm on Monday (4 March), prompted a coordinated pursuit involving multiple Police enforcement units.
Despite attempts by the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) to halt the vehicle, the driver escalated the situation, leading to a high-speed chase. With the aid of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU), officers managed to locate the stolen SUV in Peacehaven, culminating in the arrest of two Newhaven residents.
Photo – Sussex News A 31-year-old man faces charges including vehicle theft, failing to comply with police orders, dangerous driving, and operating a vehicle while disqualified. His 32-year-old accomplice was arrested on similar grounds.
Currently held in custody, the suspects are under investigation as the recovered Range Rover undergoes forensic analysis.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Man Threatens Hospital Staff in Brighton: Caught & Sentenced
In a harrowing event at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, Joshua Byrne, 32, has been sentenced after threatening hospital staff with a knife in the Accident and Emergency department. The incident, which caused widespread alarm, saw Byrne wielding a knife and making threats against staff and patients, including a moment where he lunged at a security guard with the weapon.
The situation escalated when Byrne forcibly took a mobile phone from a patient and made a threatening gesture towards a nurse with the knife. Thankfully, due to the swift response of the hospital’s security team and the intervention of PC Greg Devlin and PC Max Setra from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU), who used a Taser to subdue Byrne, no one was seriously injured.
The court heard how the hospital staff displayed remarkable bravery and professionalism during the ordeal, managing to keep patients and the public safe. Her Honour Judge Christine Laing KC commended the staff and the RPU officers for their actions during the sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on February 20.
Byrne, who is unemployed and resides in Ingram Crescent East, Hove, pleaded guilty to several charges, including attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and affray. He has been handed a five-year prison sentence, with an additional three-year extended licence period.
Photo – Sussex Police Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Rachel Carr said: “The actions of the hospital staff and security was incredible that night.
“It was a distressing incident for everyone in the hospital, but the staff’s professional actions ensured vulnerable patients were protected.
“Byrne’s actions were highly reckless, putting his own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.
“He was swiftly arrested, and we are pleased that a dangerous criminal has now been sentenced.”
Chief Inspector Simon Yates, Sussex Police’s force lead for knife crime and serious violence, said: “We know that there is increased concern from the public about knife crime.
“Stories in the media and social media can increase these concerns, and can lead some individuals to arm themselves with a knife in a misguided attempt to protect themselves.
“Sadly it is becoming commonplace for police officers to encounter weapons such as hunting knives and concealed weapons which have been purchased online, with few, if any, checks to prevent them being used in crime.
“We know that knife crime can destroy the lives of those impacted, their families and loved ones, and our communities.
“Those who carry them often don’t appreciate this impact, and don’t appreciate that by carrying a knife, they are far more likely to become a victim of knife crime themselves.
“It is a priority of Sussex Police to tackle knife crime and serious violence, to educate people about knife safety, and to work with partners to reduce knife crime and fear of knife crime to keep our communities safe.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
