Three arrested after dog 'kicked' outside Morrisons Newhaven

Hugo was allegedly kicked while trying to defend his owner. <i>(Image: Sarah Edwards / Sarah Jane Woolgar / Gofundme)</i>
Hugo was allegedly kicked while trying to defend his owner. (Image: Sarah Edwards / Sarah Jane Woolgar / Gofundme)
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Three teenagers have been arrested after a woman was allegedly assaulted and a dog kicked outside a supermarket in Newhaven.

Sussex Police said the incident happened in Newhaven High Street at about 8pm on Monday, August 24.

Video footage shared widely on social media appeared to show a woman being assaulted outside Morrisons before a member of staff intervened.

Police have now arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

A 16-year-old boy from Hassocks and a 17-year-old girl from Brighton were arrested on suspicion of common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and theft from a shop.

Both have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

A 15-year-old girl from Brighton was also arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Lewes Neighbourhood Policing Inspector John Adams said: "We have taken swift action following this incident and three people have been arrested.

"Our enquiries are continuing as we work to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

"We understand the video circulating on social media may have been concerning for those who have seen it, and we would still ask anyone with information or relevant footage to contact us."

The incident sparked widespread outrage online, with many people expressing sympathy for the woman and her dog and praising the supermarket worker who stepped in to help.

A Gofundme appeal launched following the incident had reached £585 of its £1,000 target on Wednesday afternoon.

The page was set up by local residents Sarah Edwards and Sarah Jane Woolgar for the alleged victim, who it identifies as Sarah Carron.

In a message on the fundraiser, Ms Edwards claimed Ms Carron had suffered dental injuries and that her dog, Hugo, had been kicked while attempting to protect her.

Ms Edwards wrote: "Sarah had some teeth knocked out and poor Hugo was kicked several times for trying to protect his mum.

"I was born and bred in Newhaven and still work locally.

"That video made me really angry that something like that could happen just picking up a few bits of shopping.

"I felt like I needed to do something to show that the video isn't an indication of the Newhaven that I know."

Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1438 of 24/08.

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