An appeal has been launched for witnesses to come forward after a foreign exchange student was robbed in Horsham.

The 17 year-old was assaulted and had his bag stolen while he was walking through Horsham Park Friday afternoon shortly before six o’clock.

Five teenage boys approached the student.  They demanded his mobile phone then took his bag after hitting him around the head with a belt.  He was also punched.

One of the suspects is described as a white, aged 17, 5′ 9″, of skinny build and had a small amount of facial hair. Another suspect is described as being black, aged 17, and 5′ 10″.

The suspects ran off in the direction of the underpass and it is believed the white suspect was seen running near Boots carrying a bag.

A man has been charged following reports of criminal damage in Crawley.

The incident was reported to have happened sometime between 20th December and 2nd January at a hotel room in London Road.

A 32 year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to property but she was later released without charge.

Residents are being advised to ensure all their doors are locked even when they are at home.

This follows a series of burglaries in Broadfield, West Green and Southgate over the past few months.

Handbags, cash and other small items have been stolen from properties during the evenings.

The occupants have been home at the time and it is believed thieves have entered the properties through unlocked doors.

A British Transport Police officer based at Gatwick has been convicted of drink-driving.

26 year-old James Smoothy crashed his white BMW after losing control and clipping Copthorne Roundabout the early hours of December 15th.

He had consumed a number of glasses of wine at a Christmas Party, got involved in an argument and left the venue in his car.

Smoothy co-operated fully with inquiries and pleaded guilty at Crawley Magistrates Court.  He has been disqualified from driving for 2 years; ordered to pay a £400 fine, £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

Smoothy has since resigned from his position at the British Transport Police.

With temperatures due to plummet, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to check their chimneys before using them.

Last year West Sussex firefighters were called to 144 chimney fires with the majority occurring in the first two months of the year.

They warn a blocked or defective chimney can cause both chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offers the following advice:

• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
• Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers
• Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house
• When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only
• Never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire
• Do not overload the grate or appliance
• Make sure wood burners and other fire appliances are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Regular maintenance of your chimney will depend on the fuel you burn:

• Smokeless coals – At least once a year
• Wood – Up to four times a year
• Bituminous coal – Twice a year
• Oil – Once a year
• Gas – Once a year