Assault at town trouble spot

Fletcher's Croft, Steyning, has long been a popular haunt for youths, thanks to its secluded location, relatively comfortable seating and good street lighting.

Residents have repeatedly complained of littering and noise going on until late at night, and five youths were moved out of the area on Friday night.

The victim was assaulted in Fletcher's Croft at about 5pm on Saturday. A 17-year-old male youth was arrested by police at the scene.

Sergeant Simon Kind, of Steyning police, said: "Assault is unusual, even for Fletcher's Croft, and we have taken swift action over that. Assault complaints are few and far between and we don't mess around with those."

Sgt Kind assured residents that police would continue to work with the parish and district councils to address the problem.

He added: "We will be discussing it further, and with both neighbourhood wardens. We are going to continue to clamp down on any problems we get in Fletcher's Croft.

"We are committed to doing whatever we can to deal with all these problems, including taking firm action against anyone who commits offences."

In a separate incident, police received reports of a fight involving up to 20 people outside the Star Inn, in Steyning High Street, shortly after midnight on Saturday. A police community support officer spoke to two youths about their behaviour.