Nine people arrested over recent protests - police

Sussex Police said a "number of investigations" are ongoing in connection with recent events

Nine men have been arrested in connection with recent protests across East and West Sussex.

Police said the arrests were made "following criminal disorder seen around the country, commonly fuelled by misinformation and threatening language online".

Among those arrested was 45-year-old Joseph Clark, of Hayling Rise in Worthing, who was charged with sending an offensive message by public communication network. He was jailed for 14 weeks.

Ch Supt James Collis said: “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."

Sussex Police said it carried out a "huge amount of work" to protect the community "following criminal disorder seen around the country, commonly fuelled by misinformation and threatening language online".

A "number of investigations" are ongoing.

Ch Supt Collis said: “Engagement will continue in our communities to offer reassurance and a clear point of contact for anyone with concerns."

Released on bail

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

On the same day, an 18-year-old man from Haywards Heath was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and released under investigation while enquiries continued.

A 42-year-old man from Worthing, who was arrested along with Joseph Clark, was released with no further action.

On 8 August, a 53-year-old man from Aldwick was arrested on suspicion of racial hatred in relation to a YouTube video sharing the locations of hotels housing asylum seekers across the UK. He has been released on bail.

On 9 August, a 40-year-old man from Crawley was arrested at a protest in the town on suspicion of threatening/abusive behaviour contrary to the Public Order Act and was released on bail.

The following day, a 30-year-old man was arrested in Crawley on suspicion of sending false information with intent to cause harm. He was bailed pending further enquiries, with strict conditions not to post on social media.

On the same day, a 62-year-old man from Seaford was arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred and was released on bail while enquiries continued.

On 11 August, Ian Ward, 53, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with affray, assault by beating of an emergency worker, and assault by beating.

The charges relate to a counter protest held in Brighton on 7 August. He will appear at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday.