Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Friday 5th December 2025

Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Detectives conclude 2005 Eastbourne murder investigation (sensitive reading)

An investigation into the brutal murder of a woman in Eastbourne two decades ago has concluded following a DNA breakthrough.

Jennifer Kiely’s body was discovered after a fire was reported in a seafront shelter at Holywell in the early hours of 22 January 2005. The 35-year-old had sustained multiple stab wounds and an injury to the back of her head, and her body was set on fire.

A full-scale murder enquiry was launched and two suspects were arrested in the same year, but later released without charge due to insufficient evidence. Over the years, extensive enquiries were conducted in a bid to identify the person responsible, and to seek closure for Jennifer’s grieving family.

Read how a discarded cigarette butt helped solve the murder, and how through a DNA breakthrough, police can reveal who they believe killed her, and finally bring justice to Jennifer’s family online here.

Three plead guilty after cannabis factory discovery in Eastbourne

Police attended a building in Hawthorn Road in the early hours of Sunday, 30 November, following suspicions that cannabis was being cultivated on the premises.

Officers entered the building and found a large quantity of plants and growing equipment. The electricity meter had also been bypassed.

A search for those responsible then took place. Two men were detained nearby, while a third attempted to evade police by climbing onto the roof. The roof gave way, and he fell into a separate business below.

He was arrested and taken to hospital, and following treatment was discharged and escorted to custody.

On Monday, all three were charged with being concerned in the production of a Class B drug.

Read more on the case and Court outcome here.

Operation Cavell

This week, we have been out and about in hospitals speaking with NHS staff about Operation Cavell; our commitment to colleagues across Sussex to ensure they receive the best possible support if they are assaulted while performing their duties.

During these visits, we've been focused on raising awareness of the importance of reporting assaults to the police and explaining our response process and how we investigate reports.

In addition, police officers and staff have been outlining the support available for victims, including emotional support, guidance through the criminal justice process, and practical assistance, should they be a victim of assault in the line of duty.

Operation Cavell sends a clear message; violence against NHS staff is unacceptable. We are here to protect and support those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.

Contact Us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).  

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.  

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.  

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html.

Help setting up Relay APP: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/help/how-to-videos.html Contact 999 using Relay UK - How to use Relay UK | Relay UK