Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to an attack on two police officers during Sunday’s March for England in Brighton.
At around 2.30pm counter protesters who had been blocking Queen’s Road, the road to the station, were being moved by police.
Around 150 people, mostly dressed in black, were at the top of Queen’s Road and Surrey Street outside the Railway Bell pub, where two women police officers, working as protest liaison officers, were surrounded and knocked to the ground.
Detective Chief Inspector Carwyn Hughes said: “These two uniformed police officers were working in a role of engaging with the protest groups and they were wearing distinctive blue tabards.
“They were surrounded by around 60 protesters, people who were part of the counter protest, deliberately knocked the officers to the ground and threw beer at them.
“These people acted in an extremely intimidating manner and although the officers weren’t physically hurt, they were both very shaken.
“We have witnesses who say there was a woman in the crowd, who was very upset about the way the officers were treated, and I would appeal directly to her to speak to us to help us with our investigation. She was wearing a colourful dress and scarf.
“We know there were a lot of people in the area who would have seen what was going on, but not directly involved, and we urge them to get in touch. This was totally unacceptable behaviour and we are determined to trace those responsible.
“If anyone filmed any part of this incident, we are also urging you to get in touch with us.
“Please get in touch on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting reference 1103 of 27/4.”
