Police across Sussex responded to more than 800 calls for assistance and
made 80 arrests on the busiest holiday night of the year as 2020 dawned
– With a total of 3 across the Lewes district for offences including,
drunk and disorderly, drink driving and assault.
Chief Superintendent Lisa Bell said; “This was a very busy night for our
officers and staff across Sussex, as we responded to a large number of
calls for our assistance as well providing a proactive and reassuring
presence in the busiest areas.
“Although there were incidents requiring a robust and swift response, we
are glad that overall the night went well and that the vast majority of
people enjoyed themselves in safety.”
More than 800 calls came in between 10pm on New Years Eve and 6am on New
Years Day, an increase of some two-thirds on the average number for
other nights. They covered the whole range of policing needs, including
fights, disputes, damage, and road traffic incidents – so far none are
reported to have involved serious or life-threatening injury.
Over the same period the 80 arrests again covered a range of offences
including assaults, drunk and disorderly and criminal damage, an
increase on the average for other nights.
However police emphasise that the figures for calls and arrests include some matters unrelated to New Years celebrations.
Missing Anthony Knott – Update
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Anthony Knott with a huge amount of work to locate him having taken place.
However foot searches in the area of the Pells, Lewes have now been exhausted following an extensive and thorough search led by specialist search advisors (Tuesday 31st).
Further specialist search tactics may take place in the next few days and the investigation continues.
Police would like to thank the public for their tremendous support, in particular those who have sent in potential lines of enquiry which officers are currently looking into.
They ask anyone with any new information to make contact quoting Op Barnstable, so new lines of enquiry can be progressed.
