All posts by ianr

Six arrests in Crawley crime crackdown

Police teams working to tackle knife crime and violence carried out a day of action in Crawley on Saturday 4 September.

Officers working under Operation Safety completed knife sweeps in Memorial Gardens, West Green Park and Goffs Park, and patrolled hot-spot areas for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Officers on proactive patrol arrested six people during the day for offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, being wanted on warrant, and sexual assault.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after running from officers when they tried to engage with him in the town centre.

He came to a stop in an alleyway nearby, where dozens of wraps of suspected crack cocaine were found under a vehicle. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

During the day, a large knife and two hammers were also seized by police.

Photo credit: Sussex Police

Officers engaged with around 40 people, highlighting the dangers of carrying a knife and the work being done by police to tackle the issue.

Sergeant Scott Walters said: “This day of action in Crawley is just one example of the proactive work being done by Sussex Police to take action on knife crime and serious violence.
“As well as targeting offenders and disrupting criminal activity, our focus is raising awareness of the dangers of knife possession to prevent lives being impacted by knife crime.
“We will continue to work to keep our communities safe from knife crime, and encourage anyone with any information or concerns to report it to us so we can respond effectively.”

You can report knife crime online or by calling 101. In an emergency always call 999.

To report knife crime anonymously go to https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

Gatwick second runway consultation

Gatwick Airport is seeking the views of residents and the local community on its proposal to bring its existing northern runway into routine use.

A twelve week public consultation will take place from 9 September to 1 December, for anyone interested in reviewing and commenting on the proposals.

Gatwick Airport has published a Statement of Community Consultation, which provides detailed information on its proposal, including:

  • How it plans to consult the local community.
  • A virtual exhibition and an option to book a telephone surgery with project experts.
  • The option to request a virtual briefing for local stakeholder groups.
  •  
    A mobile project team will visit the following locations for anyone who wants to comment on the consultation who doesn’t have online access:

  • Lingfield and Dormansland Community Centre on 24 September, from 2pm to 5pm.
  • Morrisons, Caterham on 28 September, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
  • Morrisons, Oxted on 28 September, from 2pm to 5pm.
  •  
    All consultation materials will also be available at various libraries, including Oxted and Caterham Valley libraries.

    If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

    SPORT: More Crawley Town players extend contracts

    Crawley Town Football Club have announced contract extensions for both captain George Francomb and midfielder Jack Powell who have secured two-year deals with a third year option.

    The news comes after striker Tom Nichols was offered a new deal last week, meaning three crucial senior players have all been retained for a further two years.

    Chief Executive Erdem Konyar said: “We are delighted to see George and Jack extend with the club. Together with Nico, I believe all three lads are part of the leaders at the club.”

    Watch an interview with Francomb and Powell:

    If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

    Gatwick calls to cut Covid testing

    Gatwick boss calls for Covid testing of fully vaccinated passengers returning to the UK, to be scrapped.

    Stewart Wingate says that bookings in Europe have recovered twice as fast as in the UK, due to the removal of the testing regime.

    Data from Airports Council International (ACI) determined that bookings are at 30% of pre-Covid levels in the UK compared to 60% in Europe.

    He said; “Our continued travel restrictions are out of step with much of Europe and continue to have a real impact on jobs and livelihoods, business and growth opportunities while also keeping friends and family apart.”

    This comes just days after Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary described the restrictions as mindless stupidity and urged for a return to normality, while speaking to the Independant.

    At the moment, passengers must have a negative Covid test within two days of arrival from a green-list country, despite being double jabbed.

    However, those arriving from amber countries who have not been vaccinated must pay for tests on days two and eight, as well as self-isolating for 10 days on entry to the UK.

    If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com

    Murder investigation into the death of ex soldier

    A murder investigation has been launched into the death of soldier, Chris McMahon, after he suffered a medical episode.

    The 40 year old was pronounced dead by paramedics at an address in Warren Road, Banstead, at the end of August.

    Surrey police say two men were arrested on suspicion of murder and supplying Class A drugs, but have since been released on bail.

    A Spokesperson said; “An investigation to establish the circumstances around Chris’ death remains ongoing.
    “We ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time.”

    Mr McMahon reportedly worked for the Army’s Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR).The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it does not comment on Special Forces personnel or activity, or an ongoing police investigation. However, an MoD spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a service person has died at his home. Our thoughts are with the family, his friends and colleagues at this time.”

    If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com