Lewes Bonfire 2022: Eye witnesses 'disturbed' by police officers attempts to arrest man during parade

Sussex Police confirmed that a 22-year-old man from Haywards Heath was arrested in Lewes on Saturday night (November 5) on suspicion of homophobic public disorder and assaulting a police officer.

Officers said they responded to a report of a man causing homophobically-aggravated harassment to a member of the public on St Anne’s Terrace at around 7:45pm.

Footage of the arrest has been released online, with those in attendance stating that the handling of the man seemed ‘disproportionate’ to the public disorder claimed.

The owner of the footage said: “My family and I were extremely disturbed by the incident along with many bystanders. The handling of the man seemed disproportionate for a public disorder arrest that they claimed to be the case.”

Another person commenting on the online video said they witnessed the incident and called the scenes ‘upsetting’.

They commented: “It was upsetting as we know people have died in these circumstances. All bystanders were concerned.

"No one thought the right thing was happening. If he had committed a crime the police should have been clearer. Left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. No one felt the police were protecting us from him.”

Sussex Police said it was aware of the video and said the footage was selective and did not feature the full circumstances leading up to the arrest.

Police say the man assaulted a police officer during the course of this arrest and officers used nationally-approved techniques to detain the man.

A police spokesperson said: “While footage of this incident may appear robust, in circumstances such as these it is important that the risk to the public, the suspect, and to officers is kept to the minimum.

"Body-worn footage shows that police engaged politely with both parties, and explained to a man featured in the footage why they needed to speak to him.

"Then, because of the man’s abusive and obstructive conduct, he was told he was to be arrested under Section 5 of the Public Order Act.The reason for his arrest was repeatedly explained to him in a fair and polite manner.

"In circumstances such as these, it is important that the risk of injury to the public, the suspect, and to the officers themselves is kept to the minimum.”

The 22-year-old man was taken to custody on suspicion of causing homophobically aggravated harassment, common assault of an emergency worker, resisting or obstructing a police officer, and possession of a category 4 firework when not an exempt person under Section 11 (4) of the Fireworks Act.Police said the man has been bailed, pending further enquires.

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The arrest was the only one to be reported from the town’s November 5 celebrations.

In a statement, issued via social media, Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges said: "Tonight's bonfire celebrations have passed without significant incident, and on behalf of the multi-agency group, I'd like to pass on our thanks to the community of Lewes."