Teen arrested after vandals smash defibrillator kit at an East Sussex football club
Sussex Police say a 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage after a defibrillator was smashed at a football club in East Sussex.
It happened in the early hours of Sunday morning (13th June) after CCTV footage was released of two people at Buxted FC carrying out the act of vandalism.
- Sussex football club appeals online after vandals smash defibrillator kit
Just hours before, the piece of life-saving equipment was used on Danish footballer, Christian Eriksen, after he suffered a cardiac arrest while on the pitch during his side's game against Finland at the Euro 2020.
Eriksen was given prolonged treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital where he is now awake and recovering.
Police say they are investigating the report and added that they are aware of a video circulating online. Officers are asking the public not to post speculative comments.
In a statement to Greatest Hits Radio Sussex, they said:
"Police are investigating a report of a defibrillator being damaged and stolen by two suspects at Buxted Football Club in Uckfield.
"The incident is believed to have taken place in the early hours of Sunday morning (13 June).
"A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and remains in custody for questioning.
"Anyone with information that may assist with enquiries is urged to report online or call 101, quoting 551 of 13/06."
The footage, posted on the Buxted FC Twitter account, has been viewed more than 150,000 times since it was posted on Sunday evening.
Writing on twitter, the club said:
"We can’t thank you enough for the retweets, comments and likes. The reaction has been incredible.
"Fingers crossed it won’t be long before the two people in the video are caught and we can get a replacement defibrillator fitted."