Man arrested following Ashdown Forest criminal damage

Police have arrested a man after a spate of damage to parking signs in Ashdown Forest.

The 56-year-old man was arrested on 19 October on suspicion of criminal damage following a report of a car park sign being pulled off a wooden post and thrown into nearby bushes on 11 October.

He was interviewed and has been released on bail while the investigation is ongoing.

From November 2022 to October 2023, multiple reports have been received of parking signs being destroyed or damaged across the forest.

Enquiries into the offences are continuing and anyone who witnesses any suspicious behaviour in the area, or who has any information relating to the damage, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 47230200503.

Inspector Andy Barker, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “The forest is one of the largest open areas in the South East, and a safe space for our communities and visitors to enjoy all year round. We are dedicated to keeping it this way and take all reports of criminality seriously.”