Three people were arrested on Saturday for public order offences at the migrant camp (Image: Getty)
Three people have been arrested at a controversial East Sussex army base that is being used to house asylum seekers. Around 27 men have so far been housed at the Crowborough training camp, where the Home Office plans to accommodate up to 500 people as part of its bid to end asylum hotel use. The move has sparked backlash from neighbours of the camp and the local council, which said it is considering legal action.
Sussex Police said two men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of public order offences following two incidents at the site on Friday night. A group of protesters were gathered outside the entrance to the camp, which was handed to the Home Office by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on a 12-month basis last year, at around 7:45pm. A spokesperson for the force said members of the group had been “threatening and intimidatory”.
Residents in Crowborough have strongly opposed the plans (Image: Getty)
“The gathering was initially peaceful, however when a vehicle was leaving the site, three individuals were threatening and intimidatory,” a statement read.
“The individuals caused an obstruction, shouted abuse, and struck the vehicle, alarming the driver and passengers.”
A 36-year-old man and 62-year-old woman from Crowborough, alongside a 54-year-old man from Newhaven, were arrested on Saturday morning on suspicion of an offence under section 4a of the Public Order Act. They were taken to the custody centre in Eastbourne.
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “We know that the use of the Crowborough Training Camp for asylum accommodation has caused concern within the community. Sussex Police has engaged with lawful protesters regularly over their concerns and will continue to enable the right to peaceful protest.
“However, last night there was a small group of people within the gathering that acted in a threatening and intimidatory manner to people going about their lawful business at the entrance to the site.
“This behaviour is not acceptable, and we will not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour. Our officers are working hard to ensure everyone in and around Crowborough and the camp are kept safe.
“Where individuals seek to commit criminal acts, they can expect to face robust action from the police.”
CS Collis added that a police presence in Crowborough and the surrounding area would be maintained over the coming weeks “to provide a clear point of contact for the public for engagement and reasurance”.
“Any incidents will be responded to based on theat, harm and risk, in line with our existing processes for preventing crime and responding to calls for service across Sussex,” he said.
“We will continue to work with our partners to support the local community, and encourage anyone with concerns to speak with officers in the street or at their local police station.
“The Home Office retains responsibility for the site, its security and its occupants, and we ecnourage anyone with concerns relating to the site to contact the Home Office in the first instance.”
Crowborough is one of two military sites the Government announced last year that it would use to house asylum seekers, alongside Cameron Barracks in the Scottish Highlands.
A large demonstration is expected in Crowborough on Sunday.