Two men charged after police pursuit between Kent and Sussex

Two men have been charged with multiple offences, following excellent partnership work between Sussex Police and Kent Police.

Police were alerted to a report of a Toyota Hilux, on cloned plates, being driven through Horam, East Sussex, about 5.30pm on Tuesday 2 September.

The vehicle – confirmed stolen from Westham two days previously – was spotted a short time later and a pursuit ensued into Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Command was led by the Kent Police Force Incident Manager, and officers from the Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit and Specialist Enforcement Unit used tactics to attempt to stop the Toyota.

The vehicle was abandoned in Montacute Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, and the driver decamped, but was tracked by a Sussex Police Dog Unit and found hiding in a toilet cubicle of the nearby Sainsbury’s store.

Detective Chief Inspector Cath O’Connor said: “This incident demonstrates how officers from neighbouring forces work together, often in fast-paced and dynamic situations, to keep the public safe from harm.

“I’d like to commend all staff and officers involved for bringing the pursuit to a safe and successful conclusion.

“While considerable damage was caused to a number of police vehicle and parked vehicle, thankfully no serious injuries were reported.”

Callum Bailey, 27, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop when required by police, driving without valid insurance and driving without a valid licence.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court for trial on 10 October.

David Bird, 21, of Seaside Road, Eastbourne, was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis, two counts of driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of burglary and two counts of driving without valid insurance.

He pleaded guilty to all offences at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 September and has been remanded in custody for sentencing on 3 October.