Latest news with #BBCSussex
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2 days ago
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Identity appeal after man assaulted outside pub
Police have released an image of two people they would like to speak to after a man was assaulted outside a West Sussex pub. Sussex Police said a 47-year-old man suffered significant injuries in the attack at about 16:30 BST on 17 April, outside the Block and Gasket pub in Church Road, Burgess Hill. The force released a CCTV image of two males officers would like to speak to as part of their investigation. Anyone who recognises them or can help with the investigation is asked to contact police. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Sussex Police
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3 days ago
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Man arrested after three police officers injured
A man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent after three police officers were seriously assaulted. Officers attended a property in Gossops Drive, Crawley, at about 14:30 BST on Saturday, to arrest a suspect in an ongoing investigation. The suspect resisted arrest and assaulted the officers, causing significant injuries, before fleeing to a nearby property, Sussex Police said. Following a negotiation, the suspect – a 43-year-old man from Crawley – was arrested and taken into custody, where he remains. All three officers have been taken to hospital for treatment, the force said. Det Supt Karrie Bohanna said: "Violence towards emergency workers is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. "Police officers put themselves at risk to protect the public, but they should not expect to be assaulted in the course of their duties. She commended the three officers for their "bravery" and said they would receive the "full support of our police service while they recover". Sussex Police is not seeking anyone else in connection to the incident. Anyone with further information or relevant video footage has been asked to share it with the force. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Sussex Police
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3 days ago
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Boy, 16, arrested after two teens stabbed
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after two 18-year-old men were stabbed in East Sussex, police say. At 21:55 BST on Friday, officers in Hove Lawns were made aware of the two injured men who were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The teenage boy from Crawley was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and remained in custody, police said. The incident happened on a day where police had increased their patrols in Brighton city centre due to concerns about potential youth disorder. At about 19:30 BST on Friday, police were also called to the lower promenade, near Shelter Hall, to reports of a large group of youths gathering. Officers dispersed the group, but a 16-year-old boy from Brighton was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and remained in custody, police said. Ch Insp Vicky Dias said: "Last night's incidents show how quickly anti-social behaviour can escalate into violence, with potentially tragic consequences. "We and our partners will continue to work hard to address any issues as early as possible, but I would also appeal to parents to be aware of their children's behaviour and whereabouts to help keep them safe from harm." She said there would be an increased police presence in the city centre across the weekend. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Sussex Police
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4 days ago
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Sussex PCSO assaulted in Crawley
A police community support officer (PCSO) has been assaulted in Crawley, say Sussex Police. The force said it had arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and assault. He remains in police custody, according to officers. The PCSO was reported to have been assaulted on Thursday at 18:45 BST in Crawley's Broadfield area. Sussex Police urged anyone who saw the incident or has relevant information to contact them. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Sussex Police
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6 days ago
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Jury deliberate over force used on amputee, 92
The jury in the trial of two police officers accused of using excessive force against a 92-year-old amputee have begun their deliberations. PCs Stephen Smith, 51, and Rachel Comotto, 36, have denied using excessive force on Donald Burgess at Park Beck care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. The care home called 999 in June 2022 after Mr Burgess, a single-leg amputee and wheelchair user, reportedly grabbed a knife and threatened to stab staff. Mr Burgess was taken to hospital where he contracted Covid and died 22 days later, aged 93, but the officers are not being held responsible for his death. Judge Christopher Hehir, summarising the evidence on at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, told jurors: "The reason for his behaviour that day, we now know, is that he was delirious as a result of a urinary tract infection." PC Smith sprayed synthetic Pava pepper spray into Mr Burgess's face and struck his wrist with a baton, with PC Comotto deploying her Taser, all within a minute and 23 seconds of entering the pensioner's room, the court was told. PC Smith denies two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm for his use of Pava spray and for using a baton, while PC Comotto denies one count related to her use of a Taser on Mr Burgess. Judge Hehirsaid jurors should reach their decision "with their heads, not their hearts". Prosecutors claim the force used against Mr Burgess, who had been reportedly waving a serrated cutlery knife around and telling staff he would "take pleasure" in murdering them, was "unjustified and unlawful" given his age and physical condition. PC Smith previously told jurors he did not see that Mr Burgess was disabled and using a wheelchair as he was focused on the knife the pensioner was holding in his hand. During his evidence, he denied emptying a full can of Pava in Mr Burgess's face, saying it was "a short burst". He also denied hitting Mr Burgess with a baton, claiming he instead flicked the baton towards the pensioner's wrist to "knock the knife out" of his hand. During her evidence, PC Comotto said she believed using the Taser was the safest way to "protect" Mr Burgess as she feared her colleague using the baton again would cause more harm. "I'm not a trigger-happy officer," she told jurors. "It's the first time I've fired my Taser." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Use of Taser on 92-year-old was viable, court told Amputee's knife was a threat, accused PC says Sussex Police
