West Sussex County Council and Sussex Police release statement ahead of potential civil unrest

A potential event in Crawley and further intelligence of civil unrest leads Sussex Police and West Sussex County Council leader to issue a statement.

SUSSEX POLICE

Sussex Police officers and PCSOs are out and about across the county today (9 August) and say they remain fully prepared for any potential incidents

They continue to review a vast amount of online information to identify any emerging concerns in our communities, including the potential for an event in Crawley this evening (9 August).

Additional and specialist police resources remain mobilised and ready to act wherever this may be required, and they encourage the public to go about their business in confidence that they are there to keep them safe.

There are targeted patrols in key areas across the county to provide a highly visible, reassuring presence and a key point of contact. 

Sussex Police say they understand that recent events have been particularly concerning for Muslim communities and people of colour. Police and partners are engaging with faith leaders and community groups across Sussex to provide reassurance and encourage people to report issues or concerns and any incidents of hate crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court said: “Across the country, we have seen people trying to divide our communities met by powerful displays of unity and support.

“We stand alongside the residents and businesses of Sussex, to keep them safe and help everyone go about their lives in peace.

“I will reiterate the warning once again to anyone planning, or considering taking part in, disorder. It will not be tolerated, any incidents will be robustly countered and the consequences will be swift and costly.

“I would like to thank the communities of Sussex for their patience, support and understanding over the recent period, and ask for this to continue over the coming days.”

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

The leader of West Sussex County Council Cllr Paul Marshall has issued the following statement:

"I am sure that we are all shocked and appalled by the scenes we have witnessed across the country of rioting and civil unrest, scenes that will upset all of us who don’t understand the thinking of those who are organising and undertaking these events.

"I know that we live in a tolerant society, one which accepts all no matter what race, religion, or sexuality they are, and I am proud of the role West Sussex County Council plays in ensuring all of our communities can feel safe and secure no matter whether they were born in this country or have chosen our county or country to settle in. The council does not and will not tolerate discrimination in any way, shape or form and continues to work with our partners including the police and Government to ensure this happens. Hate has no place in a modern society; tolerance does, and this is what we, as a council, promote and will continue to do so.

"I condemn all of those who have taken part in the civil unrest and state that it has no place in West Sussex or anywhere in the country and support Sussex Police in all it is doing to ensure our residents, communities and businesses do not suffer from the minority who set out to disrupt our lives through their actions.

"They will not win their argument, because their argument is against all we value."