Man arrested over false imprisonment and exploitation of women in Brighton
The victims had been forcibly trapped through violence and intimidation
A man has been arrested on suspicion of falsely imprisoning and exploiting vulnerable women in Brighton.
Police were called to the Hollingdean area on Friday, February 3, following reports of a woman being assuaulted.
On arrival, the victim told officers a man had repeatedly visited the property and forcibly trapped her inside several times through violence and intimidation.
Her description led police to the suspect at an address in Southwick later that afternoon where they found another victim who also reported being falsely imprisoned.
A 32-year-old man, of no fixed address, has been questioned on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm, two counts of false imprisonment, participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, making threats to kill, intentional strangulation, stalking involving fear of violence and failing to appear at court.
He has been remanded in custody to attend court today, February 6, in relation to the outstanding warrant for failing to appear at court.
Chief Inspector Michelle Palmer-Harris said: “This was fine work by our officers, who proved once again there is no substitute for local knowledge.
“Following the initial call, they were able to swiftly identify and locate a suspect, which has meant two vulnerable people have now been safeguarded.
“I would like to commend all involved for their proactive response and reaffirm Sussex Police’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities.”