West Sussex council officer attacked at A29 Shripney Road

The incident happened on February 11 at the A29 Shripney Road closure near Bognor Regis.

A 55-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.

The A29 has been closed for through traffic since 2 February due to flooding. A council worker was hit by a car at the same location on February 9.

The road has been closed since February 2 (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

Paul Marshall, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Last night, Wednesday 11 February, an officer working on behalf of West Sussex Highways was attacked by a member of the public at the closure on the A29 Shripney Road.

“The officer was assaulted in the course of their duties of their job to keep the public safe, in this instance, ensuring only residents could access the road as per the conditions of the closure.

“Let me be clear, any attack on our officers, whether verbal or physical, is unacceptable.

“Our officers are out across the county through all weathers, day and night, fixing the problems we’re seeing where they can or working to keep the public safe where they can’t.”

Mr Marshall said threats and violence against council workers will not be tolerated.

The affected road, which connects Bognor Regis to the A27, remains closed due to flooding caused by what the council has described as “unprecedented rain” in recent weeks.

The officer sustained minor injuries in the incident.

Sussex Police attended the scene and are appealing for witnesses.

Mr Marshall said: “These officers have been subjected to verbal abuse, cars deliberately driven through standing water to soak them and now a second incident in recent weeks of an officer being physically harmed by a member of the public.

“We will protect our officers as they work tirelessly to support communities across West Sussex.

“This could mean removing teams from situations causing even further delays to remedying the issues if we must, to ensure our officers’ safety.”

Flooding at the nearby Riverside Caravan Park in Bognor (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Sussex Police Inspector David Greenwood said: “A road closure has been put in place by West Sussex County Council for the safety of the residents of Shripney Road and the wider public.

“Staff at the closures are there for public safety and should be able to perform their duties without fear of confrontation.

“Abuse and assaults on workers staffing these closures are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Officers will seek to take positive action on every occasion where offences are reported to us.”

The council had issued a warning asking drivers not to drive through flooded roads, after a highway worker was hit by a Land Rover.

The West Sussex County Council (WSCC) highways operative was struck by the white Land Rover at the same road closure on the A29 Shripney Road, at the Saltbox Roundabout, on February 9.

The worker was unharmed, but that incident was also reported to Sussex Police. Any witnesses are encouraged to contact police on 101. 

Residents in the area have voiced frustration over the road closure, which has now lasted more than a week, but the council has said abuse is not the answer.

According to West Sussex County Council, the flooding has overwhelmed drainage systems due to unusually high rainfall.

A temporary ramp was installed today to allow stranded residents a way to access their homes through floodwater.

A ramp was installed today on the A29 Sack Lane (Image: West Sussex County Council)

Mr Marshall said verbal and physical abuse has a serious impact on staff morale and could delay crucial repairs even further if it continues.

He urged the public to remain patient and to show understanding toward workers trying to resolve the issues.

“By all means, provide us with feedback,” he said.

“But please remember that you are talking to other humans, all of whom are working hard to fix the problems, keep you safe and keep you up to date on what is happening.”