Two men arrested at Eastbourne gym on suspicion of fraud

Police executed a warrant to raid the business in the Hampden Park area yesterday (February 4) after receiving reports it was continuing to operate during the third national lockdown in breach of the government’s Covid-19 regulations.

Police enquiries found the gym had applied for a government grant for businesses who had faced hardship caused by Covid-19, stating the business had been closed to customers from December 26, 2020.

The men, aged 30 and 31, were taken into custody for questioning, said police.

Three other people were present inside the gym and were each issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for being in breach of the government’s Covid-19 regulations, said police.

Officers said the warrant came after the gym had already been issued with a £1,000 fine and a £2,000 fine for breaches of the restrictions in November 2020 and January 2021 respectively.

District commander for Eastbourne, Chief Inspector Di Lewis, said, “The government’s rules are there to help stop the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. Those who continue to ignore these regulations are risking bringing harm to our communities, and we will take enforcement action where necessary.”