Police Arrest Three After Vehicle Struck in Crowborough Camp Clash

Three people have been arrested following reports of disorder outside the Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex, Sussex Police have confirmed. Officers were called to two incidents at the entrance to the site at around 7.45pm on Friday, 23 January, after a small group gathered outside the camp. Police said the gathering was initially peaceful. […]

Three people have been arrested following reports of disorder outside the Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex, Sussex Police have confirmed.

Officers were called to two incidents at the entrance to the site at around 7.45pm on Friday, 23 January, after a small group gathered outside the camp. Police said the gathering was initially peaceful.

However, when a vehicle attempted to leave the site, three individuals allegedly became threatening and intimidatory. Sussex Police said the suspects caused an obstruction, shouted abuse and struck the vehicle, alarming the driver and passengers.

A 36-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman from Crowborough, along with a 54-year-old man from Newhaven, were arrested on Saturday morning on suspicion of an offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act. All three remain in police custody.

Chief Superintendent James Collis said the use of the Crowborough Training Camp as asylum accommodation has raised concerns within the local community.

“Sussex Police has engaged with lawful protesters regularly over their concerns and will continue to enable the right to peaceful protest,” he said.

“However, there was a small group within the gathering that acted in a threatening and intimidatory manner to people going about their lawful business at the entrance to the site. This behaviour is not acceptable, and we will not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour.”

Chief Superintendent Collis added that officers are working to ensure the safety of residents and those at the camp, warning that anyone committing criminal acts can expect “robust action” from police.

Police presence in Crowborough and the surrounding area has been increased to provide reassurance and a clear point of contact for the public, with patrols set to continue over the coming weeks.

“Any incidents will be responded to based on threat, harm and risk, in line with our existing processes for preventing crime and responding to calls for service across Sussex,” he said.

Sussex Police said they will continue working with partner agencies to support the local community and encouraged residents with concerns to speak to officers on patrol or at their local police station.

The force also confirmed that the Home Office retains responsibility for the site, its security and its occupants, and advised that concerns relating specifically to the site should be directed to the Home Office in the first instance.