Police have new powers in place for restricting face coverings during planned protest at Burgess Hill
The powers last until midnight tonight.
Ahead of an expected protest and counter-protest in Burgess Hill this evening, police say they have powers now in place to 'reduce opportunities for intimidation and criminality'.
They say new policing powers will be in place to 'restrict the use of face coverings and ensure individuals cannot conceal their identity while participating in a lawful protest'.
These powers which are available under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, apply to protestors within the red area on the map above. The powers will last until midnight tonight.
Sussex Police have decided to use the new powers following criminality during protests in other parts of the country.
Chief Superintendent Mark Offord said: “We understand that groups of protestors wearing face coverings can leave communities feeling intimidated, and we will use the policing powers available to us robustly, where necessary, to facilitate lawful and peaceful protest while making communities feel safer."
“We are very experienced in policing protests and this additional policing power, which is enforced impartially to all groups, will ensure every tactic is at our disposal, should we need it."
“Where lawful protest strays into criminality, we will not hesitate to take the necessary and proportionate action needed to catch offenders and keep people safe.”