Sussex Police have stated that the nine people arrested in connection with an assault that happened in central Brighton in the early hours of Monday morning, have all been released under investigation.
The incident occurred at 2.43am on Monday (20 August), and police were contacted by South East Coast Ambulance following a report of a serious assault on a man at Old Steine.
The victim, a 37- year-old man, is reported to have been repeatedly punched and kicked by a group of youths at the location, close to St James’s Street, in the Old Steine gardens area. He was then taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment and was later discharged the same day.
Although he was initially understood to have no fixed address, Sussex Police have now clarified that the victim resides in Portslade, and stated:
“He is not homeless or a rough sleeper, as has been reported by some media.”
On this the force added: “Furthermore, this incident is not believed to be connected to the murder investigation launched following a serious assault on a rough sleeper at Royal Pavilion Gardens on 7 August.”
Following the assault, there was a large police presence at the Old Steine on Monday (20 August) as forensics investigations were carried out and the scene.
Enquiries have proven to be very successful, with police arresting nine people in Black Lion Street shortly after the incident, on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm.
The arrests include seven men from Brighton and Hove, aged between 18 and 23, a 19-year-old man from London and a 22-year-old woman from Hove. They have all been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Sussex Police, in appealing to the public for any information about this incident, stated: “Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 99 of 20/08.”
Alternatively, if you would like to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or calling them on 0800 555 111.
