PCSO assaulted in Crawley

A man has been arrested after a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was violently assaulted while responding to a call in Crawley.

The incident happened around 6.45pm on Thursday 29 May, when the officer was called to reports of suspicious behaviour in the Broadfield Barton area. As the PCSO approached the individual, he was punched multiple times in the face.

Members of the public stepped in to help restrain the suspect until additional officers arrived. The injured PCSO was taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose.

Superintendent Imran Asghar of Sussex Police called the attack “totally deplorable” and praised the bravery of the public who assisted:

“Assaults on emergency workers will not be tolerated. Our officers come to work to protect the public—not to be assaulted. I’d also like to thank those who helped during this shocking incident. Their actions made sure the suspect could be arrested quickly.”

A 26-year-old man from Crawley has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and remains in police custody.

Police are also investigating a separate report from the same evening involving a person seen with a firearm in the Broadfield area. Armed officers carried out extensive searches, but no suspects have been found so far.

A visible police presence will remain in the area while further checks are carried out to ensure public safety.