Sussex Alerts - Lewes and Seahaven Police

Friday 14th August 2026

Sussex Alerts - Lewes and Seahaven Police

Dear Residents,

Please find below the latest Sussex Alerts from Lewes and Seahaven Police.

Operation Downsway 

Operation Downsway is our dedicated campaign to tackle both road and driving related offences, as well as to enforce and educate drivers around the ‘fatal five’ offences.

Earlier this week officers took to the Phoenix Causeway, in Lewes to conduct checks following concerns from local residents.

The checks, which were focussed on mobile phone use, saw a number of vehicles were safety stopped, with drivers spoken to as officers took the time to educate and remind drivers to keep an eye on their driving and distractions as part of our campaign.

Enforcement activity also took place, with officers conducting a number of stop checks. One vehicle was stopped after its manner of driving attracted officers' attention. Following checks, it was established that the driver was not insured to drive the vehicle, which was subsequently seized.

We continue to give time to conducting these types of stops and driver/vehicle safety checks as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the roads of your town safe.

Summer holiday fun at Newhaven Fort funday 

Earlier today officers joined partners, including East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, at Newhaven Fort for a morning of fun and engagement with youngsters and families.

A great time had by all, including one chap who took the opportunity to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet in the back of a police van…probably not the most conventional way to escape children during the summer holidays, but we hope you enjoyed the break!

The day was well attended, with plenty of activities on offer, including dressing up and exploring emergency service vehicles; officers also hosted a crime prevention stand, offering advice and support to help keep communities safe this summer, a huge thanks to those who organised the day, and to everyone who came along to see us!

Stay safe everyone and enjoy the rest of your summer holidays!

Travel advice this weekend

Following yesterday's derailment near Lewes, Southern Rail have announced trains are currently unable to run between Lewes and Haywards Heath in both directions. 

If you're planning to travel this weekend, please check official travel channels before setting off for the latest advice and information on diversions and disruptions following the recent derailment.

Allow extra time for your journey where possible and stay up to date with the latest travel information from transport operators and local authorities.

Follow British Transport Police official here, and Southern Rail here.

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