COUNTY NEWS: Protesters and supporters clash at Boxing Day hunt

Hundreds of people lined the streets for the annual meet of the Southdown and Eridge Hunt on Boxing Day - but it wasn’t without incident.
Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150351001Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150351001
Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150351001

Before the event in Lewes on Saturday (December 26), there had been ‘very strong suggestions’ that a demo would take place on the day following failed attempts from Deputy Mayor Cllr Imogen Makepeace to have the meet banned from the town.

Protesters took up their usual spot on the steps of the law courts with banners held high, but it wasn’t long before they clashed with the many supporters on the streets.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inspector Rob Lovell, of Sussex Police, said: “There were a number of minor issues that arose during the hunt meet outside the White Hart Hotel in Lewes on Boxing Day morning (December 26).

Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150351001Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150351001
Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150351001

“However, they were quickly resolved by police officers at the scene and the large crowd dispersed after the hunt had departed. There were no arrests.”

Once the minor altercations were resolved, the meet went ahead as planned.

To read Lewes Town Council’s response to calls for the hunt to be banned, click here.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150307001Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150307001
Demo at Southdown and Eridge boxing day hunt at Lewes. SUS-151227-150307001

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: