Sussex Alerts - Hastings and Rother Police

Friday 10th July 2026

Sussex Alerts - Hastings and Rother Police

Dear Residents,

Please find below the latest Sussex Alerts from Hastings and Rother Police.

Charges secured following reported disturbance in Sidley.

A man has been charged with a string of offences as part of an ongoing investigation into a reported disturbance in Sidley, Bexhill.

A 21yo man has been charged with possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life or enable another person to do so, possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, possessing ammunition for a firearm while prohibited from doing so for five years, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a motor vehicle on a road without third-party insurance, racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress by words or writing, and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.

The charges relate to an investigation into a disturbance in Sidley Green at about 11.50pm on June 8, during which it is alleged a firearm was discharged. The investigation has since led to a number of arrests and charges as detectives continue their enquiries.

The man is due to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, July 9.

Detective Superintendent Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said: "Our investigation into this incident has been relentless and demonstrates our determination to pursue those suspected of being involved in serious violence and the use of weapons in our communities.

"We would like to thank members of the public who have supported our enquiries by coming forward with information. Their assistance has been invaluable as our investigation continues."

The investigation remains ongoing.

Updates on fire in St Leonards.

Published 11:11am on 10/07, police are investigating a fire at a disused building in St Leonards as arson.

Emergency services were called to the incident in Magdalen Road around 5.07pm on Thursday 9 July.

Police assisted with traffic management and crowd control while East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze.

Two boys, aged 13 and 14, and from the local area, were arrested on suspicion of arson and transported to custody.

The public can expect to see a visible police presence in the area as our enquiries continue, and anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1293 of 09/07.

Magdalen Road and the adjoining roads remain closed, and we would urge motorists to seek alternative routes in the meantime.

We would also urge the public to check East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s page for running updates and safety advice: https://www.esfrs.org/fire-in-st-leonards

Thank you.

Crossed the line?

You might spot these new beer mats in Sussex bars and pubs during the World Cup, they’re there for a reason.

Rates of domestic abuse go up whether the England men's football team win or lose.

For someone experiencing domestic abuse, asking for help can be incredibly difficult, which is why friends, family, neighbours, or even concerned strangers making a call to us can save lives.

If you're worried about someone, trust your instincts and call us. You don't need proof - we will listen, and can stay anonymous if you want.

You can report online or ring 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

Man charged with murder

A man has been charged with two counts of murder after a 66-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman were found deceased at an address in St Leonards.

On Tuesday, 30 June, shortly after 4.30am, officers were called to an address in Seven Acre Close after a man and a woman were reported to have been injured.

Sadly, the bodies of a 66-year-old man, now identified as Adrian Horton, and a 46-year-old woman, now identified as Uschi Schild, were found inside the address. Their next of kin have been informed and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.

A 58yo man, was promptly arrested at an address in Battle Road and has since been charged with murder.

The man, of no fixed address, is due to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court later this month.

Detective Superintendent Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said: "This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have died at this very difficult time.        

"This remains a fast-moving investigation as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding these deaths. We believe that the suspects and the victims were known to each other and we are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.

"Officers continue to carry out enquiries at the address and in the surrounding area, and an increased police presence will remain while those enquiries continue. I would like to thank the officers involved for their tireless work since this incident, and the local community for their patience, cooperation, and the information they have shared with us as our enquiries continue.

"We are still appealing to anyone with relevant information, such as CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dashcam footage, to report online or phone 101, quoting Operation Newington."

Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).  

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened

 or there is immediate danger always call 999.  

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.  

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK, including help setting up the Relay APP please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html