Shocked at sight of armed police at Eastbourne shopping centre

From: Rowland CivilDittons Road
LettersLetters
Letters

I have lived in the Eastbourne area for the past 12 years, holidayed with my family in the 1960s and to date enjoyed this quiet seaside town.

However, last Saturday I came in to town to see the new shopping mall and to shop.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When walking through with many other Christmas shoppers and carol singers, walking towards me were two police officers resembling combat troops complete with flak jackets and what I believe to be Glock 17 automatic rifles.

Fearing that there may be some kind of major attack looming I quickly departed without any shopping and went home.

If the police had gained intelligence of a possible terror attack, a covert presence with the help of the buildin’gs CCTV and in house security should have been sufficient without making the general public / Christmas shoppers feel uneasy.

Should this be a ‘sign of the times’ then this is not the country, county or town that I have had so much affection for during my life.

As you may note, this experience has shocked me especially at a time that should be full of enjoyment.