Police called to abandoned building in Eastbourne

On the evening of 25 January 2026, Sussex Police responded to reports of a group of youths on the roof of an abandoned building in Eastbourne.

Reports indicate the youths were engaging in disruptive behavior, including discharging fire extinguishers and shouting at people below.

They initially refused to leave, requiring officers to bring them down.

Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and causing wasteful employment of police time. They were later de-arrested and taken home after receiving advice, though the investigation into the offences continues. 

Sergeant Knight of Sussex Police emphasized the significant dangers of entering abandoned buildings for everyone involved.

This caution comes after previous incidents at local abandoned sites, such as the former Debenhams building, where a boy was seriously injured after a fall in March 2024