Man arrested for attempted murder after serious assault on rough sleeper

Homeless man in critical condition after assault in Pavilion Gardens (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell) SUS-180808-161001001

The incident took place in the Royal Pavilion Gardens, close to Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, at 11.55pm on Tuesday (August 7).

But police said the victim wasn’t discovered until 7am the following day (August 8), by a passer-by who called officers.

The victim is a rough sleeper believed to be in his 50s, and currently remains in a critical condition with serious head injuries at Royal Sussex County Hospital, police said.

The gardens were closed for a number of hours while forensics investigations were carried out, and the area has since been reopened to the public.

Sussex Police said a 32-year-old man, also a rough sleeper, was arrested in nearby Church Street shortly before 9pm on Wednesday (August 8) on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police said he remains in custody, and at this stage, officers are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.

Chief Inspector Rachel Swinney said: “We believe this incident is isolated to the street community in Brighton. We would encourage any individual who is frightened or worried, or who has witnessed an incident you think we should be aware of, to contact us. We are here to help.”

Anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Dickenson.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.