Hove Lawns: Sussex police chief's warning after gathering

Deputy chief constable Jo Shiner took to social media after a huge police presence was sent to disperse hundreds of youths last night.

She said: "Shocking behaviour impacting upon everyone trying to be responsible in challenging times.

"Sussex Police will take positive action but I would urge young people to think about their behaviour. A criminal record will not help you get a job in the future."

She also commended Brighton and Hove Police for their work in dispersing the gathering.

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DCC Shiner has been chosen as the preferred candidate to succeed Giles York at Sussex Police headquarters in Lewes, and is the national lead for children and young people.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has also responded to the incident at Hove Lawns.

She said: "What are these people thinking? Putting everyone’s lives at risk so a selfish minority can ‘party’ is outrageous.

"I applaud the calm policing approach which succeeded in dispersing the crowd without flare-ups, but just look at the resourcing this selfish behaviour requires."

Hundreds of young people gathered at the lawns last night, with reports of "pockets" of violence breaking out in some areas.

Police were called and a great number of officers attended the scene with police cars and vans lining the green.

When they arrived, officers were met with chanting from the groups, witnesses have said.

The force issued a dispersal order and the lawns were eventually cleared, but large amount of litter were left behind.

Sussex Police have now issued a statement on the gathering, saying that no arrests were made during the incident.

A spokesman said: "Police responded to reports of a large group of youths gathered on Hove Lawns at about 6.37pm on Wednesday.

"Officers attended and a dispersal order was issued.

"The group left and police maintained a presence in the area late into the evening.

"No arrests were made."