Police Hunt Fruit-Flinging Fiend in Eastbourne and Hastings
Police are on the lookout for a strange thug behind a bizarre spree of unprovoked attacks across Eastbourne and Hastings from April 12 to April 14. Several innocent people were targeted, left injured—some seriously—after being hit by flying fruit and other objects.
Fruit Attacks Spread Panic on Public Streets
- April 12, Hastings: Around 7.30pm, a walker on Bohemia Road was struck in the face with an apple, suffering minor injuries.
- April 13, Eastbourne: Just before 8pm, a victim on Firle Road was hit in the arm with a tomato.
- April 14, Eastbourne & Hastings: A series of attacks hit St Philips Avenue and Ashford Road, with people struck by tomatoes and unknown objects. One victim on Ashford Road suffered minor injuries, while another in The Bourne, Hastings, was seriously hurt.
- Same day near Lidl, Bohemia Road, Hastings: A tomato was thrown at someone’s head, adding to the growing list of bizarre assaults.
Detectives Piece Together Chilling Pattern
Investigator Caroline Bendell from Hastings CID said: “Most of these attacks have occurred during daylight, targeting people going about their daily lives in open, public places.”
Bendell revealed that the victims appear unrelated, but the attacks are part of one disturbing series, with objects believed to be thrown from vehicles.
Police Urge Witnesses and Victims to Speak Up
Anyone who saw these shocking attacks or suffered from them is urged to contact police immediately. You can report online or call 101, quoting serial 1076 of 14/04. In emergencies, dial 999 without delay.
