Rother police seize knuckle duster and lock knife in crackdown on serious violence

It was one of a number of days of action across Sussex using Home Office funding dedicated to tackling knife crime and serious violence.

Police community support officers in Bexhill were trying to help an elderly and vulnerable man but were faced with a group of young people being disruptive.

Police officers were sent to assist and one of the young people was recognised as being the subject of a community protection notice (CPN).

A police spokesman said: “The CPN, issued in May 2020 as a result of the boy making threats towards police officers and their households, banned him from entering a designated area in and around Sidley.

“The boy was seen getting into a vehicle, and then being dropped off in Ninfield Road - an area within the exclusion zone of his CPN.

“He was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice, breaking a bail condition, and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug (cannabis).”

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has since been charged with breach of bail conditions. said police.

The driver of the vehicle transporting the boy was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

A search of the driver’s address later found a quantity of Class A and Class C drugs, as well as a lock knife and a knuckle duster, said police. All items were seized. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Plain-clothed officers carried out patrols in Sidley and Egerton Park on Friday (August 14), talking with members of the community and highlighting the dangers of carrying knives.

Inspector Jonathan Hartley, of the Hastings and Rother prevention team, said: “This was a really positive day of action, with plenty of community engagement, two weapons seized and two people arrested.

“Knife crime and violence are issues that affect communities across Sussex and we will continue working to tackle this.”

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