Sussex Police did not threaten to fine breastfeeding woman, spokesman insists

Sussex Police has addressed claims that officers threatened to fine a breastfeeding woman in Hove this week.
Sussex Police stock imageSussex Police stock image
Sussex Police stock image

In a statement the force said it was aware of a circulating message stating police officers threatened to fine a woman in Hove on Friday (April 10) but said the claims were 'unequivocally untrue'.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "We are aware that a message is circulating in local WhatsApp groups reporting that police officers threatened to issue a fine to a woman breastfeeding in a park in Hove on Friday 10 April.

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"We have reviewed the body worn footage of the officers in attendance and can state unequivocally that this is untrue. At no point was the fact she was breastfeeding instrumental in the officers’ request for her to leave.

"The woman and one other were having a picnic in the park when officers initially engaged with her asking her to adhere to the national guidance of staying at home to protect the NHS and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"They were approached a second time by officers, more than ten minutes later, and again encouraged to adhere to Government advice and go home. On their own volition, the pair then left the park."