Sussex and Surrey's Top News Stories

The top stories in Sussex and Surrey updated throughout the day - listen on FM, Online and Digital

Thursday 23rd February

Ambulance For Obese

South East Coast Ambulance has spent #400,000 on three vehicles designed to transport obese patients weighing up to 50 stones.

The bariatric ambulances and specialist equipment, which will be based at Worthing and Chertsey,  will come into service at the end of next month,

Sex Attacker Re-Convicted

A 35 year old man's been convicted of  carrying out three sex offences in Brighton in August and September last year while under surveillance by Police.

Michael Stanley Phillips had only been released from Prison in July at the end of a ten year sentence for rape and indecent assault - he was monitored by up to 25 Police officers for six weeks and was seen committing the offences

=== ===

Police Now Only Investigating One Campus Attack

An investigation into a reported sexual assault in the grounds of the University of Sussex has been called off.

Police say they have no evidence the attack reported yesterday actually happened.

But they are still investigating another alleged assault last Wednesday when a woman reported being threatened with a knife

=== ===

Police Appeal For Sightings Of Murder Victim

Detectives investigating the murder of a 69 year old man want to hear from anyone who has seen him since the New Year.

The body of Winston Fernandez was found in his bedroom in Epsom last Monday. A post mortem showed no weapon had been used and he had been there for a week.

Officers say they want to build up a picture of Mr Fernandez's lifestyle.

=== ===

Campaigners Head For Parliament Over DVLA Office Closure

Campaigners against the closure of 39 regional DVLA offices are heading to parliament later.

They will speak to MPs about the plans which include the Brighton office where 22 people work. it will mean no face to face services for the public or motor trade.

=== ===

Police Investigate Series Of Fires

A man arrested on suspicion of arson after an armchair was set alight in a home in Steyning has been released on Police bail.

A 24 year old arrested on the 16th of February following fires in a shed and a portable toilet has also been bailed - police are arranging a series of meetings to reassure residents

=== ===

Town Hall For Sale

If you're looking for an unusual property, this could be right up your street.

Horsham Town Hall is up for sale or lease.

The district council had wanted to only allow it to be a restaurant but say they will now consider any use

=== ===

Safe Driving Course

A self help course designed to assist women drivers is taking place at Worthing Skoda-Suzuki on Wednesday 7th March, from 6.30pm. Content includes dealing with road-side emergencies, routine car maintenance and coping with the hazards of modern day driving including so-called 'road rage'. 

The one-off course is entirely free and is open to all members of the general public.

=== ===

Pool Cue Charge

 A man's been charged with attempted robbery and possesion of an offensive weapon after a couple were threatened with a pool cue..

25 year old Aaron Lopez from Albion Way in Horsham's been remanded to appear at crown court in May following the incident in Horsham Park on Sunday