On Thursday, December 4, 2025, a coordinated counter-terrorism operation swept through East Sussex, resulting in the arrest of four individuals suspected of involvement in extreme right-wing terrorism. The operation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) and supported by Sussex Police, targeted properties in Eastbourne, Brighton, and Hailsham, sending shockwaves through local communities as heavily armed officers executed planned raids.
The suspects, identified as a 27-year-old woman from Hailsham and three men from Eastbourne aged 33, 36, and 41, were all detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. This provision enables police to arrest individuals suspected of terrorism-related offenses without a warrant and to detain them for up to 14 days, according to the Home Office. As of Thursday evening, all four remained in police custody while searches of residential properties continued.
Residents of Eastbourne’s Langney Rise neighborhood awoke to the sight of at least seven armed police officers, some bearing the insignia ‘CTSFO’, ‘EMOE’, and ‘POLICE’ on their uniforms, using a battering ram to force entry into one property. Images captured a man in a grey hoodie being handcuffed, while officers armed with shields and rifles secured the area. According to Sky News, the dramatic scenes underscored the seriousness of the operation and the scale of resources deployed.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Rayland of Sussex Police addressed public concerns in a statement, saying, “I am aware that investigations of this nature can cause people in the local community to feel concerned, but I'd like to stress the arrests form part of a planned operation to keep people in our communities safe.” He further emphasized, “Counter Terrorism Policing South East is leading this investigation with support from officers in Sussex Police.” (BBC, Daily Mail)
While the specifics of the alleged offenses remain undisclosed, police confirmed that the investigation is intelligence-led and pre-planned. Officers continue to search multiple properties linked to the suspects, with local residents advised that an increased police presence is routine in such cases. “People living in the local area may notice an increased police presence while search activity takes place, which is routine in cases of this nature,” Rayland explained, reiterating the authorities’ commitment to public safety.
The counter-terrorism operation unfolded across Eastbourne, Brighton, and Hailsham, with specialist officers—including counter terrorist specialist firearms officers armed with Sig Sauer SIG516 carbines—executing the raids. According to The Argus, one of the targeted addresses in Eastbourne was located in the Langney Rise area, where police were seen handcuffing a man and searching the premises. The presence of tactical units, complete with body armor, balaclavas, and shields, highlighted the perceived risk and the gravity of the investigation.
CTPSE, the regional counter-terrorism unit, is spearheading the investigation, with Sussex Police providing operational support. Police have declined to release further details about the nature of the alleged offenses or the evidence that prompted the action, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. A spokesperson for CTPSE stated that the arrests and subsequent searches are “in connection with suspected extreme right-wing terrorism.” (BBC, Daily Mail, Sky News)
Under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, suspects can be held for up to 14 days without charge while investigations continue. This legal framework is designed to give authorities the time needed to investigate complex terrorism cases, particularly where digital evidence and multiple suspects may be involved. The Home Office notes that such powers are invoked only in cases where there is credible intelligence or evidence of a terrorism-related threat.
Communities across East Sussex have been urged to remain calm and vigilant. Assistant Chief Constable Rayland advised, “Please speak to a police officer if you have any concerns or any information which may be relevant.” His message was echoed by local police leaders, who stressed the importance of community cooperation during such high-profile investigations. Officers have encouraged anyone with information or concerns to approach them directly or use established reporting channels.
The operation has inevitably stirred unease among local residents, who have witnessed an unusual level of police activity on their streets. The sight of armed officers, police vehicles, and ongoing searches has prompted questions about the scale and potential impact of extreme right-wing activity in the region. While police have sought to reassure the public, the lack of specific details has fueled speculation and anxiety in some quarters.
Extreme right-wing terrorism has been a growing concern for UK law enforcement agencies in recent years. According to official figures, the number of investigations into far-right extremism has risen, with authorities warning that such ideologies can pose a significant threat to public safety. Counter-terrorism units across the country have stepped up monitoring and intelligence-gathering efforts to pre-empt potential attacks and disrupt extremist networks before violence can occur.
In the wake of Thursday’s arrests, local officials and community leaders have called for unity and resilience. They have emphasized the importance of not allowing fear or suspicion to divide neighborhoods or foster mistrust. The police operation, while alarming in its scale, is being presented as a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding the community from harm.
As the investigation continues, the four suspects remain in custody, with police combing through evidence seized during the raids. The outcome of the searches and subsequent interviews will determine whether charges are brought and what further steps authorities may take. For now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and maintaining transparency with the community as events unfold.
The events in East Sussex serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extremist ideologies and the vigilance required to counter them. As Assistant Chief Constable Rayland put it, “The arrests form part of a planned operation to keep people in our communities safe.” For residents of Eastbourne, Brighton, and Hailsham, the hope is that such decisive action by police will indeed help keep their streets secure.
