Disorder Outside Crowborough Asylum Seeker Camp Leads to Arrests

On Friday, January 20, 2026, three individuals were arrested following two incidents of disorder outside the Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex, which is currently housing asylum seekers. The arrests included a 36-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman from Crowborough, along with a 54-year-old man from Newhaven. They were taken into custody on suspicion of public order offences after a gathering that escalated from a peaceful protest to a disruptive confrontation.

Arrests over incident outside Crowborough asylum seeker campThree arrested after two incidents of disorder outside asylum seeker camp

The Crowborough Training Camp is one of two military sites designated by the UK government to accommodate asylum seekers, with plans to house up to 500 men as part of an initiative to end the use of asylum hotels. The Home Office's decision to utilize this site has sparked significant opposition from local residents and the Wealden District Council, which is contemplating legal action against the government.

Three arrested after two incidents of disorder outside asylum seeker camp

According to Sussex Police, the gathering outside the camp began peacefully but turned confrontational when a vehicle attempted to leave the site. The police reported that the three arrested individuals obstructed the vehicle, shouted abusive language, and struck it, causing alarm for the driver and passengers. Chief Superintendent James Collis acknowledged the community's concerns regarding the camp's operation but noted that only a small group acted in a threatening manner during the incident.

Arrests over incident outside Crowborough asylum seeker camp

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood visited Crowborough shortly before the incidents and expressed her commitment to defending any legal challenges against the government's asylum policies. She emphasized the importance of moving away from using hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, stating, “I understand the strength of feeling but I do also believe that getting out of asylum hotels is absolutely crucial for the country.”

Three arrested after two incidents of disorder outside asylum seeker camp

The local authority and residents have voiced their apprehensions about the camp's impact on the community. The Wealden District Council's consideration of legal action reflects the growing discontent among locals regarding the government's asylum policies and their implementation in Crowborough.

Three arrested after two incidents of disorder outside asylum seeker camp

While Sussex Police confirmed the arrests and the nature of the incidents, there is a lack of detailed information regarding the specific motivations of the protesters and the broader community sentiment towards the asylum seekers housed at the camp. Additionally, the exact number of individuals involved in the gathering remains unclear.

Arrests over incident outside Crowborough asylum seeker camp

• “However, when a vehicle was leaving the site, three individuals were threatening and intimidatory.” — Chief Superintendent James Collis

Three arrested after two incidents of disorder outside asylum seeker camp

• “She told broadcasters: “I understand the strength of feeling but I do also believe that getting out of asylum hotels is absolutely crucial for the country.” — Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary

Three arrested after two incidents of disorder outside asylum seeker camp