The protest and counter-protest, outside the old Firgrove Nursing Home, are taking place amid a series of demonstrations – linked to concerns about immigration and asylum accommodation – across the country.
Multiple tactical enforcement units have been sent to the scene, as officers work to keep the situation under control, on Tuesday evening (September 15)
Face coverings have been banned in the designated area – on Keymer Road – as part of new policing powers brought in for the planned protest and counter protest.
Sussex Police confirmed the powers will be in place until midnight tonight and said they were introduced to reduce opportunities for intimidation and criminality.
A force statement read: “We are aware of a protest and counter protest planned to take place in Burgess Hill this evening.
“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.
“The decision to utilise the new powers follows incidents of criminality during protests elsewhere in the country.”
The large gathering is causing traffic disruption on Keymer Road – one of the main routes through Burgess Hill.
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.”
The force said the new powers prohibit the wearing of face coverings used to conceal identity during protest activity.
It added that anyone in the designated area could be committing an offence if they conceal their identity at a protest and could be arrested.
5. Large police presence as protesters gather in Burgess Hill - In pictures
Large groups of protesters have gathered in Burgess Hill, with a significant police presence at the scene. Photo: Rebekah Swales
6. Large police presence as protesters gather in Burgess Hill - In pictures
Large groups of protesters have gathered in Burgess Hill, with a significant police presence at the scene. Photo: Rebekah Swales
7. Large police presence as protesters gather in Burgess Hill - In pictures
Large groups of protesters have gathered in Burgess Hill, with a significant police presence at the scene. Photo: Rebekah Swales
8. Large police presence as protesters gather in Burgess Hill - In pictures
Large groups of protesters have gathered in Burgess Hill, with a significant police presence at the scene. Photo: Rebekah Swales