Report of group congregating at derelict Sompting pub

Officers descended on the former site of The Joyful Whippet in Halewick Lane, Sompting, at 4.40pm on Friday.

Sussex Police say "there was no apparent congregation or breach of Covid regulations" but officers arrested three men on suspicion of drugs-related offences.

Police raided the Joyful Whippet, a derelict pub in Sompting, after reports of people congregating

A large number of police cars and a force van filled the road outside the pub late on Friday afternoon.

One witness said they had seen "loads of police" at the scene and people living nearby had come "out on to the streets" to see what was going on.

"An officer said it was Covid-related," the witness told The Argus.

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This morning, Sussex Police confirmed that officers had attended the site following calls about a group meeting at the former pub.

A force spokeswoman said: "Police were alerted to a group of people congregating at The Joyful Whippet in Halewick Lane, Sompting at 4.40pm on Friday, February 19.

"Officers attended and suspects were seen to discard a quantity of Class B and Class A drugs as well as a mobile phone.

Police raided the Joyful Whippet, a derelict pub in Sompting, after reports of people congregating

"There was no apparent congregation or breach of Covid regulations.

"Two men - aged 19 and 25 - were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

"A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug.

"They have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

"Anyone with information can report online or call 101, quoting 941 of 19/02."