VIDEO: Crawley PCSO Assault Sussex Police Arrest 26-Year-Old Man

PCSO Hospitalised After Attack in Broadfield Barton A man has been arrested following a violent assault on a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in the Broadfield Barton area of Crawley. The incident occurred around 6:45 pm on Thursday, 29 May, when the PCSO responded to reports of a suspicious individual. As the officer approached to […]

PCSO Hospitalised After Attack in Broadfield Barton

A man has been arrested following a violent assault on a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in the Broadfield Barton area of Crawley.

The incident occurred around 6:45 pm on Thursday, 29 May, when the PCSO responded to reports of a suspicious individual. As the officer approached to engage the man, he was punched multiple times in the face.

Members of the public intervened to help detain the suspect until additional police units arrived. The officer was subsequently transported to hospital with a suspected broken nose.

Superintendent Condemns Assault

Sussex Police Superintendent for Crawley and Mid Sussex, Imran Asghar, condemned the attack, stating:

“This was a totally deplorable act on a PCSO, whose purpose is to serve and protect the community. I’d like to remind the public that assaults on emergency workers will absolutely not be tolerated. Our officers put on their uniforms each day to catch criminals, protect the public, and deliver an outstanding service. Being assaulted will never be considered ‘part of the job’, and anyone caught committing offences of this nature can expect to face the consequences.”

Superintendent Asghar also praised the public’s response:

“I’d like to commend the brave members of the public who stepped in and helped to detain the suspect. Their quick-thinking actions ensured the suspect could be arrested and the PCSO could receive the necessary medical treatment he needed.”

Suspect Remains in Custody

A 26-year-old Crawley man arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker remains in custody pending further investigation.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact them online or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 47250103259.

Armed Officers Respond to Separate Incident

Around the same time, armed police officers responded to reports of an individual in possession of a firearm in the Broadfield area. Despite extensive searches, no suspects have been located, and inquiries are ongoing.

Sussex Police have confirmed that the presence of the National Police Air Service helicopter related to the firearm report and not the PCSO assault.

Police presence in the area will continue as officers conduct additional safety checks and investigations. Anyone with information on this incident should report it online or call 101, quoting crime reference 47250103336.