A man in East Sussex has been arrested for breaching coronavirus rules after setting up a soup kitchen at a skate park to help the community, with police saying social distancing measures were not being observed and people weren't wearing masks.
Nick Smith, 56, a former IBM sales coordinator and business consultant, set up a weekly soup kitchen at his local skate park in Forest Row - wanting to do something to help those in need after he was diagnosed with cancer three years ago.
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The venture started back in September, when he cooked up 20 litres of soup to dish out to anyone who needed or wanted it.
However, after serving up some last Monday (25 January), the following day Nick received a phone call from the police, asking to meet him at the skate park.
The dad-of-four said: "I'd had the police stop by the soup kitchen before and they were great - convivial and supportive. I had an idea it might have been about the grant that they'd put me forward for.
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"I went down to the meeting with the local elected councillor, a solicitor friend and another friend who offered to video the meeting. We were expecting good news and I wanted it on record.
"The police officers arrived and we watched them kitting themselves up by the van - putting on their stab-proof vests and attaching tasers - before they came over.
"One of them started issuing a summons. He asked for my details, which surprised me.
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"I didn't know what to say and decided my best option was to be quiet. I didn't know that serving soup could warrant such a brutal response.
"I didn't refuse to give them my name and address out of any kind of belligerence - I just didn't want to assist with or engage in this ridiculous and unnecessary farce."
Nick was then handcuffed and 'marched' to the van, before being driven to Eastbourne police custody centre 40 miles away.
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After being detained for an hour and a half, Nick says he was de-arrested.
He believes he hasn't 'broken any laws', explaining: "The police said I was in breach of coronavirus legislation but this wasn't the case. What I'm doing is completely legal.
"People doing charity or volunteer work are exempt from the 'not being allowed to gather in a group of two or more' rule. The council have said that the Love Soup common unity kitchen is an essential service and, up until now, every encounter with the police was great."
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A force spokesman told The Argus: "Police were called to Station Road in Forest Row at 2.53pm on Monday (25 January) following reports of a regular gathering where social distancing was not being observed and masks were not worn.
"Officers engaged with the parties involved, explained the restrictions in relation to the lockdown and encouraged compliance with the government guidelines.
"The organiser was arrested at the time, and later issued with a summons to court, having failed to provide contact details so a fixed penalty notice could be issued for the breach.
"Sussex Police are supportive of community initiatives to help protect the most vulnerable, particularly in these difficult times, and are working with the local authority to ensure individuals have the right safety measures in place.
"To protect themselves and the public, those who are providing a takeaway service are required to complete a risk assessment and adhere to government guidance including social distancing and hygiene measures.
"Where this is not being observed, officers will take enforcement action. Local communities are therefore urged to continue to follow the regulations and guidance to curb the spread of the virus and help save lives."
LADbible has contacted Sussex Police for further comment.
Reporting: Jacqui Deevoy
Featured Image Credit: Copyright jacquideevoysyndication