“Rye’s Own” – Only News Media to Pick Up the Story
June 2006
On Sunday 18 June 2006 there were reports coming into our offices of a Riot at Camber. Police cars, ambulances and Fire Engines were streaming through Rye and a major incident was suspected by members of the public.
Strangely there were no reports of the event on Radio or Television even though locals were talking of 60 riot policemen and armed police at the scene. The incident seems to have taken place completely within the confines of Pontins and was possibly centred around a Reggae Music Event being held at the Holiday Camp.
Newspapers did not pick it up the following morning but ultimately there was a Police Press Release. Locals expressed their fears that there would be more trouble at future events planned at Pontins and complained that Camber was being “blocked off” by cars parked everywhere because of lack of parking space. Music events at Pontins were exacerbating the problem.
Police Press Release
At 10.25am on Sunday, 18th June 2006, police received a report of a suspected firearm being discharged at Pontins, Camber Sands.
Local officers attended and upon arrival were informed of a suspect believed to have stolen credit cards. Two PC’s arrested an 18 year old man from Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, on suspicion of theft and he remains in custody at this time pending further enquiries.
A crowd of approximately one hundred people were in close vicinity to the arrest and a number of these people subsequently assaulted the two police officers, also causing damage to the window of a police vehicle. The officers received minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.
The Force Tactical Firearms Unit attended but no firearms were recovered from the location.
Chief Inspector Steve Brookman, Rother District Commander, said: “Police fully supported the music event being held at Pontins, but it is disappointing that this incident occurred at what should have been an event for everyone to enjoy. We are working closely with the Pontins management team to prevent any further incidents of this nature at any of the events planned throughout the summer.”
As a precaution, a police vehicle was stationed nearby to Pontins for the duration of the event in case of further disruption.
At this time, there is no connection between the original report regarding the firearm and the arrest of the man on suspicion of theft.
“Rye’s Own” July 2006
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