Sussex Police arrest nine men in protest operation

Sussex Police have confirmed that they arrested multiple people over protests in Brighton and Crawley as well as dealing with suspects across the county for online offences.

Two men have been in court and more investigations are ongoing.

In Brighton, Ian Ward was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning and later charged with affray, assaulting an emergency worker and common assault.

Ward, 53, of Old Mill Close in Portslade, was linked to a counter protest which took over Queen’s Road on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to all charges at Crawley Magistrates’ Court today and will be sentenced tomorrow.

In Worthing, 45-year-old Joseph Clark, of Hayling Rise, was charged with sending offensive messages by public communications network after concerning social media posts emerged online.

Clark made posts calling for riots on the streets of Brighton. He was jailed for 14 weeks.

Another man, 42, was also arrested but released with no further action.

On August 4 a 43-year-old man from Bognor was arrested on suspicion of publishing or distributing written material about racial hatred. He has been released on bail.

Police officers in Queen's Road, Brighton (Image: The Argus)

On the same day an 18-year-old from Haywards Heath was also arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He has been released under investigation.

On August 9 a 40-year-old man from Crawley was arrested on suspicion of threatening or abusive behaviour at the protest in Three Bridges. He has been released on bail.

A 30-year-old from Crawley was also arrested on suspicion of sending false information with intent to cause harm. He has been bailed with strict conditions not to post on social media.

A 53-year-old man from Aldwick was arrested on suspicion of racial hatred over a YouTube video which shared the locations of hotels said to be housing asylum seekers. He has been released on bail.

A 62-year-old from Seaford was arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hated and has been released on bail.

Hundreds of people crammed into Queen’s Road in Brighton as part of a counter protest over fears of unrest.

Tensions rose across the country after far-right rioting in parts of the UK.

Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “We have seen a number of events across Sussex over the last few days, and I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of the community for the peaceful nature that meant they passed without significant incident.

“Engagement will continue in our communities to offer reassurance and a clear point of contact for anyone with concerns.

“We have been clear that anyone involved in unlawful activity – either online or in person – would be met with a firm response and held to account for their actions.

“A number of investigations are ongoing, and those looking to stir up similar unlawful activity in future will be met with a robust response.

“Please report any suspicious activity or concerns to us immediately online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency, quoting Operation Skylark.”