New policing powers in place to restrict face coverings at planned protest in Burgess Hill
Sussex Police have confirmed that new policing powers are in place to restrict face coverings at a planned protest in Burgess Hill this evening.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a protest and counter protest planned to take place in Burgess Hill this evening (15 September).
“To reduce opportunities for intimidation and criminality, new policing powers will be in place to restrict the use of face coverings and ensure individuals cannot conceal their identity while participating in a lawful protest.
“The powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 will apply to protestors within the area shown on the map, until midnight on Tuesday, 15 September.
“The decision to utilise the new powers follows incidents of criminality during protests elsewhere in the country.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Offord said: “We understand that groups of protestors wearing face coverings can leave communities feeling intimidated, and we will use the policing powers available to us robustly, where necessary, to facilitate lawful and peaceful protest while making communities feel safer.
“We are very experienced in policing protests and this additional policing power, which is enforced impartially to all groups, will ensure every tactic is at our disposal, should we need it.
“Where lawful protest strays into criminality, we will not hesitate to take the necessary and proportionate action needed to catch offenders and keep people safe.”
“Powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 prohibits the wearing of face coverings used to conceal identity during any protest activity.
“Anyone in the designated area, outlined in the map, is committing an offence and could be arrested for concealing their identity at a protest.”