Police still investigating at council bin depot
GoogleA police force has apologised for incorrectly saying investigations into "very serious" matters at a council waste depot had concluded when in fact they are continuing.
Sussex Police said the reported offences, spanning from 2023 to 2025, included criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons, harassment, arson, and others.
They are linked to a Brighton and Hove City Council depot in Hollingdean which is run by the council's waste management service, formerly known as Cityclean.
Ch Supt Rachel Carr, divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, said the matters reported to the force were "of a very serious and concerning nature".
She said: "We have ensured appropriate resource is in place to conduct thorough investigations into all reported incidents and would urge any witnesses or anyone with information relating to these matters to come forward.
"A previous statement issued by the force on this matter inaccurately implied that all investigations had concluded and we apologise for this and any distress caused."
A report from 2023 found "abuses and violence" at the bin depot in Hollingdean.
Council officers found a sword, nunchucks and knives in the GMB trade union's office at the site, as well as instances of bullying, intimidation, racism, sexism and homophobia.
Police said while investigations into some of the individual incidents had concluded with no further lines of enquiry, others were ongoing or at an early stage and the force was "continuing to gather information and evidence in relation to all matters".
A spokesperson said all reported incidents remained "under continual review" and were forming part of a wider ongoing investigation.
Earlier in May, Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey apologised to residents for a 140% increase in missed bin collections over the last six months.
She claimed the main reason for missed bin collections was "ongoing behaviour" by a small number of employees at the depot.
She said the council was working with police to resolve the issues and would not "be held to ransom anymore in this city by this small group of individuals".
Due to operational reasons, police said specific details on some investigations were limited at this time and further updates would be published when appropriate.
The force asked anyone with information to them quoting Operation Senate.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.