Increased police presence in Eastbourne this weekend after officers attacked

It comes after officers were injured when responding to a gathering of around 450 people in Gildredge Park on Friday night (July 24).

Four people were arrested for offences including assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly after the incident – which saw two officers suffer minor injuries and two police cars damaged, according to police.

At the time, a section 34 dispersal order was issued to stop people from congregating in the area, and a piece of sound equipment was seized.

Police officers attacked and cars damaged in Eastbourne park

Now police say additional resources are being deployed to Gildredge Park and Eastbourne town centre this weekend (July 31-August 2), with officers conducting high-visibility patrols to ‘identify and address any criminal behaviour’.

As well as issuing another section 34 dispersal order for the area including Gildredge Park, a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) will be in force throughout the town that will allow Police Constables and Police Community Support Officers to confiscate alcohol.

Eastbourne district commander Chief Inspector Di Lewis said, “The anti-social behaviour we have seen recently in Gildredge Park is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“We understand young people want to go out and enjoy themselves, but they must do this in a way that is safe and doesn’t negatively impact on others.

“We are still in the middle of a health pandemic and people should be continuing to follow the government’s guidance around Covid-19, including maintaining social distancing where possible.”

CI Lewis said there will be additional officers deployed across the town, including at railway stations with the support of British Transport Police.

She said, “The majority of people do behave themselves and we are grateful to them, but we will take action against those who do not.

“Parents and guardians also have a responsibility to ensure their children are not causing disruptive behaviour.

“We understand the concerns from members of the community around this issue, but I would like to reassure them we are taking all the necessary steps to address it and to make sure our town is a safe and enjoyable place to be.”

Eastbourne park attack ‘does nothing for image of our town’ says MP

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