A MAN was airlifted to hospital and three others were arrested after police investigating a suspected gunshot incident in Bexhill pursued a vehicle that later crashed near Hastings.
Sussex Police said officers were called to reports of a disturbance and a suspected gunshot in the Sidley Green area of Bexhill at around 11.50pm on Monday, June 8.
Armed officers and a police dog unit were deployed to the area, and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Police confirmed that no injuries have been reported in connection with the suspected gunshot.
Following the incident, officers pursued a black Nissan Qashqai, which was involved in a serious collision in Ivyhouse Lane, north of Hastings, during the early hours of Tuesday, June 9.
Four occupants of the vehicle were injured in the crash. One man was airlifted to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
The driver of the vehicle, a 26-year-old man of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Three passengers, a 21-year-old man from Bexhill, a 23-year-old man from Bexhill and a 36-year-old man from St Leonards were arrested on suspicion of affray.
All four men remain in hospital under police guard.
Sussex Police said investigations into both the suspected disturbance in Sidley and the subsequent collision remain ongoing.
T/Detective Superintendent Jay Mendis-Gunasekera said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.
“We understand the concern this will cause within the community and there will be an increased police presence in the area while enquiries continue.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the Sidley area around the time of the reported disturbance, or who may have CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dashcam footage that could assist our investigation.”
Road closures remain in place in Ivyhouse Lane between Chowns Hill and the crossroads with Moor Lane and Rock Lane near Three Oaks while collision investigation work continues.
Anyone with information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Maxim.
