West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service hosted a Spanish rescue team this week as part of an EU funded exchange of experts.

Four Catalan firefighters have been working with the Sussex service’s Technical Rescue Unit to learn about their specialist skills.  Their visit has included rope rescue training at the TRU’s base in Horley, a confined space exercise at Crawley, and rescues from rubble piles to simulate working around collapsed buildings.  The Technical Rescue Unit provides 24 hour emergency cover across the county where specialist rescue skills are required.  The team also attends national and international incidents where needed.

West Sussex firefighters have visited Spain as part of the exchange, spending four days training in remote mountainous terrain.

Surrey Police is investigating reports of a suspicious incident near Warlingham School on Wednesday.

A young girl was outside the School in Tithepit Shaw Lane just before 4 o’clock when a man walked past her and asked for her name. It was alleged that he was brandishing a knife.  The girl ran off and the man left the scene. The man is described as black, in his late 20s to early 30s, 6 feet tall, and of medium build with very short hair.  He was wearing jeans and a dark blue hoody, and was carrying a dark green bag.  

Police would like to speak to a couple who were walking their dog through Whyteleafe recreation ground between 3.15 pm and 3.45 pm on Wednesday. They may have seen some of the incident.  

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101 quoting incident reference 45160087869 or you can use the online reporting system found at report.police.uk and enter the reference number in the ‘additional information’ section.

The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead has appointed a new Chief Executive.  

Steve Jenkin was previously the Chief Executive of Peninsula Community Health, providing services across Cornwall.  He also has chief executive experience at Elizabeth Fitzroy Support, a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities.  

Steve Jenkin will replace Richard Tyler who is leaving to take up the post of chief executive at Horder Healthcare.

Deadlines are fast approaching for good causes in Crawley to apply for a share of funds.

More than £34,000 is still available from the County Council, with a cut-off date of 23rd October for East Crawley and 7th November for West Crawley.

Recent successful applicants include CAMEO Club and Ifield Community Youth Service Ltd.

Police are on the lookout for two men believed to be responsible for thefts totalling more than £1600 from a Boots store in East Grinstead.

The suspects have been seen entering the store on several occasions throughout August.

During the most recent visit a female security officer was pushed aside when she challenged them.

A CCTV image of a man police would like to speak with has been released: