A shocking incident unfolded on New Year’s Day when members of the Hunt Saboteurs Association became victims of a brutal attack in Herstmonceux, East Sussex. The attack occurred after the group’s car broke down on Church Road shortly after noon. As they awaited recovery, they were violently ambushed by a group of assailants.

The saboteurs strongly believe that the attack was premeditated and orchestrated by an ex-hunt staff member and a follower who had spotted them in their vulnerable state. Shockingly, within just an hour of being seen stranded with their vehicle, the group found themselves facing a terrifying assault.

A disturbing video captured the ordeal, showing four men dressed in hunting gear, with their faces concealed, as they aggressively attacked the car. The attackers smashed windows, tore a bag and a camera away from one of the occupants, and even used a road cone and a tire as weapons.

Simon, a member of the group inside the car, was repeatedly punched during the vicious onslaught.

The East Surrey Hunt Sabs spokesperson described the terrifying experience: “It was a ruthless attack. They started by attempting to break the windows with keys and elbows, then escalated to using a traffic cone and a tire as weapons. They also violently snatched my body cam, bruised my skin, and tore off my shoulder bag.

Simon, who suffered a head injury during the attack and was subsequently hospitalized, stated, “It was premeditated. We were targeted after being seen breaking down. I thought we were safe outside the church, but the attack was far more severe than anticipated. Thankfully, a security guard arrived just in time, preventing them from dragging me out of the car and inflicting further harm.”

Sussex Police confirmed that they responded to the incident on Church Road, Herstmonceux, at approximately 1:37 pm on Monday, January 1. A parked car was reportedly damaged by four suspects, and one of the occupants was assaulted, resulting in hospitalization as a precautionary measure. Another occupant of the vehicle reported having a camera stolen.

The incident is currently under investigation, and the vehicle has been seized for forensic examination. Sussex Police have appealed for anyone with information about the attack to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 829 of 01/01.

For more information about the Hunt Saboteurs Association, you can visit their website here.