Sussex Police Crack Down: Nine Arrested in Protest Chaos
Sussex Police arrested nine people last week amid a surge of protests across the county. Authorities link the unrest to a nationwide spike in criminal disorder, fuelled by online misinformation and threatening language.
Operation Skylark Targets Disorder
The force teamed up with other agencies in a major operation to safeguard local communities and bring offenders to justice. Chief Superintendent James Collis praised the majority for keeping protests peaceful but vowed to act firmly against troublemakers.
“Anyone involved in unlawful activity—online or offline—will be met with a firm response and held to account,” he warned.
Who Got Banged Up? Arrests Breakdown
- 4 Aug: A 43-year-old man from Bognor Regis arrested for distributing hateful material. Released on bail.
- 4 Aug: An 18-year-old from Haywards Heath held over a racially aggravated public order offence. Released under investigation.
- 7 Aug: Joseph Clark (45), Worthing, jailed for 14 weeks after sending offensive messages online. Another man arrested same day released without charge.
- 8 Aug: A 53-year-old man from Aldwick arrested over a YouTube video exposing asylum seeker hotel locations. Bail granted.
- 9 Aug: A 40-year-old Crawley man arrested at protest for threatening behaviour. Released on bail.
- 10 Aug: A 30-year-old Crawley man arrested for spreading false info with intent to cause harm. Bailed with strict social media ban.
- 10 Aug: A 62-year-old from Seaford arrested for stirring racial hatred in written material. Released on bail pending investigation.
- 11 Aug: Ian Ward, 53, Portslade, charged with affray and assault during Brighton counter-protest. Pleaded guilty; sentencing due 13 August.
Police Urge Public to Stay Alert
Chief Supt Collis urged locals to report suspicious activity instantly via 101 or 999 in emergencies, quoting Operation Skylark.
“Engagement will continue to offer reassurance and a clear point of contact for concerns. Those trying to stir hatred will face robust police action,” he said.
Stay tuned as investigations continue into these offences and any new threats to public safety across Sussex.
