Police in Eastbourne have arrested a 24-year-old man following a violent altercation that left three people hospitalized with knife wounds on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred around 8:20 PM on Seaside Road, near the town’s seafront area, forcing nearby restaurants and cafes to evacuate customers as the situation unfolded.
The Incident
Sussex Police responded to reports of a stabbing following what they described as a fight. Upon arrival, officers discovered three men with injuries – one with potentially life-threatening chest wounds and two others with facial lacerations. All three victims were transported to hospital for treatment.
The arrested individual, identified as Khalifa Eissa Benyzeed, is being held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Originally from Libya, Benyzeed arrived in the UK via small boat in October 2022 alongside his younger brother Ahmed, 20. Both siblings have since received leave to remain in the country.
Claims of Self-Defense
Ahmed Benyzeed maintains his brother acted in self-defense during the confrontation. Speaking about the incident, he stated that witnesses told him the three men had pursued and attacked his brother in the street, though he was not present during the altercation and claimed ignorance about what sparked the confrontation.
The younger brother characterized the area as dangerous, though provided no specific details about the nature of the threats in the locality.
Impact on Local Business
The violence disrupted normal evening activities in the popular tourist area. Griseldi Harhicaj, who operates Kostas Greek Souvlaki house nearby, described how the incident forced him to evacuate his restaurant full of customers.
“There was shouting and screaming and then there was blood everywhere,” Harhicaj recounted, expressing concern about what he perceives as declining safety in Eastbourne. Physical evidence of the altercation, including blood stains, remained visible on nearby property.
Background of the Accused
The Benyzeed brothers left Libya citing safety concerns related to armed militias controlling much of their war-torn homeland. According to Ahmed, three of their brothers were killed by militia groups, prompting their decision to seek refuge elsewhere.
Their journey to the UK involved travel through Malta and continental Europe before reaching France, where they ultimately secured passage to Britain by small boat. Both brothers successfully applied for asylum and have been living in the UK for approximately two years and ten months.
Ahmed expressed his desire to build a legitimate life in England, contrasting current conditions in Libya unfavorably with the period under former leader Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.
Police Response
Sussex Police have increased their presence in the area while investigations continue. They are seeking witnesses or anyone with information that could assist their inquiry, asking people to contact them online or by phone at 101, referencing Operation Benton.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the Thursday evening incident.
