A TAKEAWAY has been closed for six weeks after three women reported finding unknown pills in their food.

The women contacted police after the discovery in a kebab bought from the Istanbul Grill in High Street, Bognor.

Following enquiries into the incident, Sussex Police have now secured a six-week closure order against the takeaway.

Officers have been forced to address claims on social media of grooming.
District commander Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: “We are aware of comments circulating on social media and I can confirm that this is not being treated as a child grooming investigation.

“The complainants are all adults, as we have previously stated.

“We are also aware of videos circulating online, which resulted in a small number of people gathering in Bognor High Street to air their views on Monday. 

“No offences were committed. However where we do identify any offences committed, we will take action.”

The women who say they found the unidentified pills, who are all in their twenties, reported it to police on December 29 at about 2am.

Officers attended the premises the same day and arrested two local men, aged 30 and 42, on suspicion of administering poison with intent to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm. 

They have since been released on conditional bail until January 27 while enquiries continue.

On Monday, police enforced a 48-hour closure order under Section 76 of the Antisocial Behaviour and Crime Prevention Act 2014, on the grounds that “the operation of the premises has constituted a public nuisance”. 

The six-week closure order has since been secured.

Chief Insp Carter said: “We have taken this action to protect the community while this business remains at the centre of an ongoing investigation. 

“This is a concerning matter and our enquiries are ongoing to examine and identify the tablets and determine exactly how they came to be in the food. 

“In the meantime, I would urge the public not to speculate on the circumstances, and instead allow our highly skilled officers to continue with the investigation.

“There is nothing to suggest that any other food outlets are involved or that there is any link with any particular section of the wider community.

“Local officers remain present in the area and anyone with any information 
relevant to our investigation is encouraged to come forward.

“You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Enzo.”