Two Teenagers Arrested After Officers Assaulted In Crowborough

Friday, 13 October 2023 06:08

Two teenagers have been arrested after police officers were assaulted in Crowborough.

Officers and PCSOs were patrolling the town centre on Wednesday, October 11 following recent reports of anti-social behaviour, when they came across a group of young people who became verbally abusive in Pine Grove. While attempting to engage with the group, an officer and a PCSO were assaulted.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker and obstructing police, and a second 14-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker and breach of the peace. Both remain in police custody.

A Section 34 dispersal order is currently in place in Crowborough town centre until the end of the weekend, and the public can expect to see a heightened police presence during this time.

This power allows police to direct a person who has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour, crime or disorder to leave a specified area and not return for a specified period of up to 48 hours.

Chief Inspector Andy Nicklin, of the Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“This recent anti-social behaviour in Crowborough is entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“We are taking proactive steps to address the issue, including increased high-visibility patrols in key areas and using the policing powers available to us, such as a dispersal order, to deter any further criminal behaviour.

"Our officers are dedicated to protecting the public in Crowborough and we will continue to work hard to tackle this anti-social behaviour and criminality."

Anyone who witnesses any anti-social or criminal behaviour should report it to police onlineor by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.