Appeal after disturbance at cafe in Burgess Hill

A group of people were working late at around 11.20pm on Friday (May 13) at a cafe due to open yesterday (Saturday, May 14) in church Road when four people, unknown to them caused a disturbance.

Sussex Police said during this time a 35-year-old woman was assaulted.

The altercation spilled out into the street and a car, believed to be a small silver car possibly a Toyota Aygo, had to stop.

The group then left the area.

Shortly afterwards, one of the people from the cafe, a 64-year-old from Burgess Hill, collapsed and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where he remains in hospital in a very serious condition.

Detective Inspector Sarah Barrett said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the Church Road area last night and might have seen what happened. We are also specifically appealing to the car driver which had to stop as they might be able to give us a description of those involved.

“The man in hospital is in an extremely serious condition and although he wasn’t assaulted himself, doctors believe he may have suffered a seizure or a heart attack as a result of the stress of the evening.

“Two people have been arrested at this time and we are trying to identify two other men who were also involved.”

Sussex Police said a 19-year-old man from Haywards Heath has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and GBH with intent and a 19-year-old man also from Haywards Heath has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and GBH with intent. They remain in custody at this time.

Anyone who saw what happened or has any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Abraham. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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