POLICE have recorded almost 50 arrests in a city over the weekend.

This comes despite the fact that people have been advised to stay at home where possible to stop the spread of coronavirus.

A total of 48 arrests were made in Brighton and Hove for offences including drink and drug driving, assault and theft.

In comparison, previous figures released by Sussex Police for the weekend starting March 7 said 45 people had been arrested. Meanwhile, during the weekend of Brighton Pride in which hundreds of thousands of people fill the streets, only 44 arrests were made.

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Chief superintendent Nick May, divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, praised the hard work of his force and said: “The Brighton and Hove Police teams are still out keeping people safe from crime, while NHS colleagues work so valiantly to protect communities from Covid-19.”

Figures have dropped since the weekend beginning February 1, in which 70 people were detained for crimes including robbery, criminal damage and racially aggravated assault.

• The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund or call the team on 01273 409440 or email stephen.chamberlain@sussexgiving.org.uk.