Hastings Man Wanted for Recall to Prison

Hastings man Lloyd Emmanuel Francis sought for recall to prison

30 Dec, 2016 13:48 News

Hastings man Lloyd Emmanuel Francis sought for recall to prison

Police wish to trace Lloyd Emmanuel Francis, 25, who is known to frequent Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea and who is wanted on recall to prison.

On 17 October he was sentenced to three months’ 13 days’ imprisonment by Hastings magistrates for the possession of an offensive weapon, a Samurai sword, in a public place.

He was released on licence from HMP Elmley on 15 December but after breaching conditions is now Continue reading Hastings Man Wanted for Recall to Prison

WW2 Machine Gun Recovered by Police had been stored in Hastings

Machine gun recovered from Battle of Britain Spitfire to go on display

23 Dec, 2016 10:03 News

Machine gun recovered from Battle of Britain Spitfire to go on displayA historic machine gun recovered following a plane crash is set to go on display, giving viewers an opportunity to relive the Battle of Britain.

The Browning 303 Spitfire machine gun was acquired by a Hastings resident approximately 50 years ago and has been kept in storage ever since.

Sussex Police became aware of the item after being notified by Historic England – the public body which looks after the country’s historic environment – that it had been advertised for sale in January.

PCSO Daryl Holter, Sussex Police Heritage Crime Officer, worked with Mark Harrison, National Policing and Crime Advisor for Historic England, to recover the gun, and contact was made with the Ministry of Defence.

PCSO Holter said: “The gun was made safe, however during this process it was discovered to have a live round within its breach. The overall condition of the weapon was poor, but this does not detract from the immediate dangers it posed.”

The Royal Air Force has since taken the machine gun and placed it in to the Heritage Centre at RAF High Wycombe, which is where it is intended to be on display to tell its story from the Battle of Britain.

The Spitfire it was attached to was shot down some 76 years ago, but fortunately the pilot ejected prior to impact.

Above: the recovered Browning 303 Spitfire machine gun

PCSO Holter added: “If the public have firearms or ordinance from generations past stored away in the shed or the roof, for example, these items can be incredibly dangerous and pose a real risk to life. We would encourage anyone in this situation to contact the authorities for advice and guidance, and to leave the item in place.

“Firearms or ordinance could well have component parts that make up a firearm, thus breaching the Firearms Act 1968. If unknowingly sold on, they could find their way in to unscrupulous hands.

“The other concern is if heritage assets or objects are sold on, they lose their provenance and that becomes a sad loss to us all. Fortunately, this piece of history will now go on display for all to see, and it means a potentially lethal weapon has been taken off the streets of Sussex.”

Raising awareness around militaria and firearms – and their respective legalities – is vital, especially around the Military Remains Act 1986, the Protected Wrecks Act 1973 and the Theft Act 1968.

Statement from High Wycombe:

The Browning 303 machine gun represents a significant part of the RAF’s Heritage, this weapon system was utilised in many theatres and aircraft variants during World War Two.

This particular incident helps to highlight the personal aspect of warfare by tracing the origin of the machine gun; Spitfire X4237 piloted by Sgt David Cox from 19 Sqn based at RAF Duxford, was shot down on 27 September 1940. Fortunately, Sgt Cox survived the ordeal after bailing out of the stricken aircraft, although receiving wounds which took him out of action for three months. He fought on and was later awarded the DFC with Bar and a Croix de Guerre for his gallant service. He survived the war and left the RAF in March 1946 as a Wing Commander.

Retaining links to the RAF community, through both the Air Training Corps and as an honorary member of the Officers Mess at RAF Binsbrook, at the age of 60 he realised an ambition to fly in a supersonic aircraft when, as part of the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Britain celebrations, he flew in one of the Station’s Lightning trainer aircraft. He died at the age of 84 in 2004.

In this particular case we are delighted to see an artefact of this nature come home so it may be displayed safely. Unfortunately, 96 years after its formation, 19 Sqn was disbanded on 24 November 2011, consequently the gun will be displayed in the Southdown Heritage Centre located at RAF High Wycombe.

Above: Wing Commander David Cox DFC (Bar)

Rye’s Own Bulletin Friday 23 December 2016

Continue reading WW2 Machine Gun Recovered by Police had been stored in Hastings

Have you tried the RYE’S OWN Facebook page?

All you need to know about the Ancient Town of Rye

 

Have you tried the RYE’S OWN Facebook page? Packed with nostalgia, stories and pictures of Rye Past & Present – The best Bonfire stories and pictures, Rye’s Wartime History, visits from famous people.  Continue reading Have you tried the RYE’S OWN Facebook page?

Burglary at Brabourne Lees Post Office – Witness appeal

Burglary at post office near Ashford

 

POLICE

 

Cigarettes Stolen

Kent Police are investigating a burglary in Brabourne Lees, Ashford.

The incident was reported to have taken place on Sunday 18 December 2016 at a post office in Lees Road where a large quantity of cigarettes were taken.
Continue reading Burglary at Brabourne Lees Post Office – Witness appeal

Did you see man being attacked in West Hill, Hastings?

Did you see man being attacked in West Hill, Hastings?

Witness Appeals

Police are appealing for witnesses to an attack on a 54-year old local man on West Hill, Hastings. on Friday, 16 December.

Police 2

The victim was walking alone from the town centre on his way to visit a friend when the attack, by three young men, took place between 6pm and 7pm.

The victim had his wallet stolen and sustained bruising and swelling to the right hand side of his face and bruising to his knees and elbows. Continue reading Did you see man being attacked in West Hill, Hastings?

Did Shepway Councillors Accept Bribes?

Just Released by Sellindge Village Residents Association

 

SUSPECTED BRIBERY PRESS RELEASE. (2)

Posted: 18 Dec 2016 05:29 AM PST

Dear Residents,
As promised, we said that we would bring you more details of a press release by Lydd Airport Action Group pertaining to suspected bribes being accepted by Shepway District Councillors.
If you are of the mind that SDC Councillors make a habit of voting against the wishes of local residents, as they are with the Lorry Park and Otterpool 12,000 housing estate, you wouldn’t be wrong.
It appears that they are running to form with the Airport fiasco as well. We’ll leave you to decide what the reason for that could be.
Here it be:
Kent Crime Commissioner urged to speed up delayed Police investigation into suspected bribes accepted by Shepway District Councillors Continue reading Did Shepway Councillors Accept Bribes?