Man assaulted at Brighton Marina calls for more police action

Nick Windsor, from Kemp Town, said he was visiting the Asda at Brighton Marina when he was cornered by two teenagers.

Nick, 57, feared that he was going to be mugged or attacked.

He said: “I was coming down towards Asda on foot when two people on bikes tried to knock me over, then one swerved round and blocked my path.

“They both came towards me, squaring up. I thought I was going to get mugged.

“I shoved them out of the way to get past, then one of them booted me."

Asda in Brighton Marina where Nick was assaulted (Image: Andrew Gardener / The Argus)

Nick went into Asda to inform security staff and police were called.

He was told by police to continue with his shopping whilst they dealt with the incident, however upon his return he was frustrated to learn that nothing was done despite him believing the teenagers were still there.

Nick is calling for the police to do more to tackle antisocial behaviour as he is concerned that more incidents are occurring if they go unchallenged,.

He said: “It is an absolute scandal that the police do not do anything. They are bone idle.”

Nick has submitted a formal complaint to Sussex Police.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "On June 4, Sussex Police received a report of a man having been kicked by a teenager on a bike in Brighton Marina.

“No injuries were reported. Officers engaged with the victim and local security staff and completed a trawl of CCTV footage to identify any witnesses or individuals involved.

“Unfortunately no reasonable lines of enquiry were available and the investigation was closed pending the emergence of new evidence.

“We take all reports of antisocial behaviour extremely seriously and dedicate resources, alongside our community partners, to tackling local issues.

“We have received a small number of reports of antisocial behaviour around Brighton Marina and are working with local partners and businesses to address them.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Team is conducting regular patrols and proactively shares intelligence with businesses to identify and target prolific offenders.

“Please report crime or anti-social behaviour to us online or via 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.”

Brighton Marina (Image: Andrew Gardener / The Argus)

In April, 38 crimes were reported to the police in Brighton Marina, including nine violent or sexual offences and seven antisocial behaviour offences.

It comes as shop workers in Brighton city centre have spoken out against the impact antisocial behaviour has on them, with some being assaulted by teenagers themselves.

Residents in Home Farm Road, Brighton, have also reported that their road has become an unexpected hotspot for drag racing causing significant distress.

A spokeswoman for Brighton Marina said: “We understand there has been an increase in antisocial behaviour, particularly from teenagers, across the city of Brighton in recent months.

“We have experienced the same trend at Brighton Marina.

“The safety and well-being of Marina residents, visitors, berth holders and businesses is of the utmost importance to us, and our onsite security team are working in partnership with Sussex Police to address the issue.”