Two Men Caught Over Armed Incident in St Leonards
Two men have been convicted following a terrifying armed incident in St Leonards. Cornel Florea, 21, from Gravesend, Kent, pled guilty to affray and carrying a knife in public at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 31 January. Meanwhile, 33-year-old Robert Murphy, with no fixed address, also admitted affray.
Shots Fired and Armed Standoff Shake Local Area
Police were called after multiple reports of gunshots fired at a vehicle on Theaklen Drive around 7.10pm on 24 January. Later, officers received word of a man wielding a firearm and others brandishing knives near Churchill Court in Stonehouse Drive.
Armed police units, aided by specialist officers from neighbouring forces and a National Police Air Service helicopter, rushed to both locations to protect the public. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Weapons Seized and Further Arrests Made
Following the incident, police executed four search warrants that led to several arrests and the seizure of a cache of dangerous weapons. Confiscated items included machetes, blank-firing pistols, ammunition, and a baton.
Florea and Murphy were both arrested on 30 January and now await sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on 27 February.
Police Praise Quick Action and Community Support
“Sussex Police quickly responded to this incident with the support of partnership working with other forces,” said Detective Inspector Sharon Ford.
“As a result, we have successfully removed dangerous weapons from potentially being used in Hastings. I’d like to thank the public for their help and quick reporting that undoubtedly prevented anyone from being harmed.”
Chief Inspector and District Commander for Hastings and Rother, Jay Mendis-Gunasekera, added: “I would like to thank our communities and teams who have worked together on this fast-paced investigation.
“Making our community safe is my top priority. Responding swiftly with support from neighbouring forces was essential given the nature of these reports.”
