Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Friday 5th June 2026

Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Dear Residents,

Please find below the latest Sussex Alerts from Eastbourne Police.

Two men have been arrested following a coordinated police response after an off-duty officer reported two motorcycles being ridden dangerously in the Eastbourne area

At around 11.40pm on Wednesday, 3 June, the off-duty officer spotted the motorcycles in the Shinewater area and alerted colleagues after observing them being ridden in a dangerous manner. One of the motorcycles was reportedly displaying no registration plate, and the riders were believed to be carrying fuel canisters. Given ongoing issues involving stolen motorcycles in the area, officers swiftly launched a search.

The motorcycles were located on Willingdon Drove, where officers attempted to stop them. The riders failed to stop and made off through Eastbourne, prompting a coordinated response involving local policing teams, operational support units and the National Police Air Service (NPAS).

Although the motorcycles were initially lost after being ridden along routes inaccessible to police vehicles, officers quickly established a containment area. With support from NPAS, the motorcycles were later located near Robin Post Lane, outside Hailsham.

Officers carried out a search of nearby woodland, with NPAS directing units on the ground. Both suspects were swiftly detained.

During subsequent searches, officers recovered discarded helmets and tools believed to have been used in the theft of motorcycles, including a hammer and two screwdrivers.

A 20-year-old man from Hailsham was arrested on suspicion of driving a motorcycle dangerously and going equipped for theft and a 19-year-old man from Eastbourne were arrested on suspicion of failing to stop a MPV when requested by police and going equipped for theft, both remained in custody until 4 June.

Eastbourne District Commander, Chief Inspector Kara Tombling, said “The arrests were made possible through the coordinated efforts of an off-duty officer, response teams, operational support units and NPAS, demonstrating the effectiveness of teamwork across policing teams in tackling vehicle crime and keeping communities safe”.

UPDATE issued 5 June:

A 20-year-old man from Hailsham, arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and going equipped for theft, has since been recalled to prison on a separate matter after officers worked to secure his recall, and is no longer in a position to reoffend.

The 19-year-old man from Eastbourne, arrested on suspicion of failing to stop and going equipped for theft, has been released on police bail with strict reporting conditions.

Police are aware of recent reports of motorcycle theft in Eastbourne and are taking steps to address the issue. We would like to reassure residents that these matters are taken seriously, and officers are actively working to identify those responsible and support victims.

Owners are encouraged to review their security measures, including where they park.

Where possible, park in well‑lit areas or locations covered by CCTV.

Please also report any suspicious activity at the time via 101 or online. 

If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate emergency, call 999.

Volunteers Week - thank you's

Real impact. Real people. Real volunteers, from inspiring the next generation and supporting officers on the ground, to helping save lives on our roads, our volunteers make an incredible difference every day  - thank you for everything you do!

In addition to our own volunteers we have also been shinning light on some of the amazing work partners across Eastbourne conduct to not only support Police, but to help keep the residents of Eastbourne safe.

This includes, Eastbourne Street Pastors, who are out every Friday & Saturday night (10pm–3am); to offer support, a friendly face, and a safe space for anyone who needs it.

Beachy Head Chaplains, who's care, dedication, and support is invaluable, when helping support those in need, when they need someone most.

The volunteers at Sussex Search and Rescue (SusSAR), who day or night, whatever the weather and even after a full day at work, are always ready to help find vulnerable missing people.

THANK YOU ALL!

Two men have been charged following the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Eastbourne ** sensitive reading **

Police received a report that the incident had occurred at an address in the town between 2.30am and 7am on Saturday 23 May.

The victim is being supported by specialist officers.

An investigation was launched and officers arrested a 39-year-old man on 25 May, and following enquiries, a 40-year-old man on 27 May.

The 39yo, of Seaside Road, Eastbourne, a Portuguese national, was charged with three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 and engaging in sexual communication with a child. He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27 May.

A 40yo, of Walton Close, Eastbourne, a British national, was charged with rape of a girl aged 13-15 and four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15. He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 28 May.

They were both remanded into custody and are next due to appear in court on 24 June at Lewes Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Steve Shimmons said: “Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a priority for Sussex Police, and from the moment we received the report of this incident, we have been working relentlessly to identify and arrest the suspects.

“We recognise the strength it takes for victims to come forward and report such offences, and we are working alongside partner agencies to ensure the victim’s ongoing safeguarding and specialist support throughout the investigation as this case progresses.

“We are continuing our tireless pursuit collating evidence to support our investigation and the ongoing court proceedings.”

Further details of those charged can be found here.

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 w

hen 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, including help setting up the Relay APP please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html