A NEW team of police officers has been formed to combat a rise in crime and antisocial behaviour in a town.

Newhaven residents reported concerns to police over a rise in illicit activity by young people in the area.

Now police have formed a multi-agency team to fight this, organised by Isnpector Ed Ripley.

He said: “How we operate together and the team dynamics will evolve as we go along, but I hope that by the end of the school summer holidays we will have a better understanding of how this will work.

“Officers will identify hot-spots around Newhaven and problem-solve those locations where the presence and behaviour of young people impacts on the community.

"The team can also be deployed to deal with other issues in the town, acting spontaneously if required.”

A pilot scheme was launched earlier this week and, if successful, it is hoped similar teams will be created elsewhere in the Lewes district and further afield.