Crowborough Protest Ends Peacefully as Sussex Police Confirm No Arrests

Increased police presence to remain following demonstrations over asylum accommodation at military training camp A policing operation for a protest in Crowborough, East Sussex, on Sunday, 25 January, has concluded with no arrests made during the day, Sussex Police have confirmed. Officers were deployed to ensure the protest was carried out peacefully, lawfully and with […]

Increased police presence to remain following demonstrations over asylum accommodation at military training camp

A policing operation for a protest in Crowborough, East Sussex, on Sunday, 25 January, has concluded with no arrests made during the day, Sussex Police have confirmed.

Officers were deployed to ensure the protest was carried out peacefully, lawfully and with minimal disruption to the wider public. The demonstration formed part of ongoing local opposition to the use of the Crowborough Training Camp for housing asylum seekers.

Earlier arrests linked to protests

While Sunday’s protest passed without incident, Sussex Police confirmed that three people arrested on Saturday, 24 January, in connection with the wider protest activity, have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Those bailed include:

• a 36-year-old man from Crowborough
• a 62-year-old woman from Crowborough
• a 54-year-old man from Newhaven

All were arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act, which relates to causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

Background: protests over asylum accommodation

The protests follow confirmation from the government earlier this week that asylum seekers have begun moving into the former military training camp in Crowborough. The site is expected to accommodate up to 540 male asylum seekers, prompting concern among some residents about community impact, local services and security.

Previous demonstrations have seen hundreds of people gathering at the camp gates and later moving into the town centre, with England and Union flags visible during earlier protests. Police have stressed that the majority of those attending demonstrations have done so peacefully.

Police response and ongoing presence

Chief Superintendent James Collis thanked both protesters and residents for their cooperation.

“I would like to thank the public at the protest and those affected by the protest for their patience and understanding throughout today, as it ensures we are able to keep everyone safe.”

He acknowledged community concerns and confirmed that police visibility in the area will remain heightened.

“Our police presence has been increased in Crowborough and the surrounding area to provide a clear point of contact for the public for engagement and reassurance. This presence will continue over the coming weeks.”

Sussex Police said any incidents will be responded to based on threat, harm and risk, in line with existing policing procedures.

Home Office responsibility

Police reiterated that responsibility for the Crowborough Training Camp, its security and its occupants, lies with the Home Office, and encouraged residents with site-specific concerns to contact the department directly.

Sussex Police said they will continue working with partner agencies to support the local community and urged anyone with concerns to speak to neighbourhood officers or visit their local police station.