Six Men Busted Over Brighton Beach Sex Attacks
Sussex Police have charged or remanded six men tied to a shocking string of sexual assaults and rapes around Brighton Beach. These arrests come months after cops launched their investigation in September following reports of serious attacks.
Brave Victims Help Crack The Case
The breakthrough came thanks to six courageous women who stepped forward to report their ordeals. Supported by their partners, they continue to receive care as the legal battles unfold.
Superintendent Adele Tucknott, head of Violence Against Women and Girls at Sussex Police, revealed hundreds of hours were poured into chasing every lead. She said these charges send a tough warning to predators in Brighton and Hove: “We are committed to bringing offenders to justice.”
Crackdown Steps Up With High-Tech Patrols
To stop attacks before they happen, Sussex Police have ramped up patrols, launched drone surveillance over tricky beach spots, and teamed up with partners to boost safety. The aim is to keep Brighton a safe place for night-time fun.
The Four Police Operations in Detail
- Operation Lindwood On 6 September, a woman was raped near Brighton Pier just after midnight. Two days later, on London Road, another woman in her 20s reported a sexual assault at 3.15am. Ahmed Lahmatar, 36, has been charged with rape and attempted rape. He’s remanded and set for trial in March 2024.
- Operation Carpenter A woman in her 30s was found vulnerable on the beach near Kings Road Arches at 5.35am on 10 September. Ali Reza Mozaffari, 36, faces rape charges and is in custody. Isaac Cid-Lopez, 22, has charges of rape and theft but is out on bail with strict conditions. Both return to court in February 2024.
- Operation Embassy Early on 16 September, a woman in her 20s reported being raped on the beach. A 31-year-old man was arrested for rape and possession of cannabis and remains in custody.
- Operation France On 24 September, two women were attacked near Brighton Pier—one raped, another sexually assaulted. Altaib Hamed, 25, charged with rape, and Bader Saleh, 23, charged with sexual assault, are both in custody. Their court date is due in December.
Police Urge Public to Stay Alert
“If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, tell security, a cop, or call 999 immediately,” Superintendent Tucknott urged. “Spot suspicious behaviour? Report it. Use the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme at city venues to discreetly seek help. Also, download the Safe Space Sussex app to find safe spots to wait for a friend or taxi.”
