Sussex Police said day of action was marked by peaceful protests

Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Paul Morrison said: “Peaceful protests have taken place across Sussex and I thank those who took part for their common sense approach for what is a very important issue for them.

“Sussex Police fully supports the democratic right to peacefully protest and we respect the demonstrators and the organisers for the way in which the protest was conducted. Our aim will always be to provide a safe environment for protesters, to prevent crime and disorder and to minimise disruption to the local community.

“The organisers of the marches were co-operative, helping us to plan the policing operation.”

Police facilitated activity across Sussex with peaceful marches of 200 people in both Horsham and Hastings and 300 in both Worthing and Eastbourne.

Throughout the demonstrations, around 330 officers conducted a low profile presence amongst the 5,500 protesters.