Three held after attack on police from Brighton church rooftop

Three men were arrested after police came under attack from the roof of a church in Brighton.

The windscreen of a police car was smashed as bottles and other missiles were thrown at officers early on Saturday evening (8 March).

Sussex Police said: “Objects were thrown at police officers and members of the public from the roof of a building in Brighton.

“Shortly after 6pm on Saturday 8 March police were called to the Montpelier Place Baptist Church, in Montpelier Place, Brighton, after men had been reported on the roof.

“When a police car arrived bottles and other objects were thrown at the two officers and members of the public.

“The windscreen of the police car was smashed when it was hit by an object containing paint.

“The area was swiftly contained and searched and three men were found in gardens near by less than an hour later.”

Three men, aged 21, 20, and 19, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. After being interviewed they were released on police bail until Wednesday 7 May while inquiries continue.

Sussex Police said: “Nobody was injured during the incident itself although one officer was treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital for chest injuries caused in a fall while the inside the building was being searched.”

There were no other reports of damage.

The force added: “It is understood that there have been squatters on the premises recently.”

Detective Inspector Vicki Harris said: “We are still investigating the full circumstances of this incident but it is already clear that both police and nearby public were at risk from what appears to have been a deliberate attempt to cause harm and damage.”

Witnesses who have not yet been interviewed or given a statement are asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.