Police have arrested a 32-year-old man for attempted murder after a brutal attack left a rough sleeper in hospital with serious head injuries.
The suspect, also a rough sleeper, is suspected of battering the victim near Brighton Museum, in the Royal Pavilion Gardens, late on Tuesday night (7 August).
Sussex Police said this afternoon (Thursday 9 August): “A man has been arrested in connection with a serious assault at Royal Pavilion Gardens in Brighton.
“The incident occurred close to Brighton Museum and Art Gallery about 11.55pm on Tuesday (7 August) and was reported to police by a passer-by who discovered the victim about 7am the following day (Wednesday 8 August).
“He is a rough sleeper believed to be in his fifties and currently remains in a critical condition at Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton, where he is being treated for serious head injuries.
“The gardens were closed for a number of hours while forensics investigations were carried out and the area has since been reopened to the public.
“Following inquiries, officers arrested a 32-year-old man, also a rough sleeper, in nearby Church Street shortly before 9pm on Wednesday (8 August) on suspicion of attempted murder.
“He remains in custody and, at this stage, police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.”
Chief Inspector Rachel Swinney said: “We believe this incident is isolated to the street community in Brighton.
“We would encourage any individual who is frightened or worried or who has witnessed an incident you think we should be aware of to contact us. We are here to help.”
Sussex Police added: “Anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Dickenson.
“Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555111.”
