Police are appealing for witnesses after a violent altercation occurred at the La Bella Vista restaurant on Grand Parade, St Leonards, on Saturday, 12 October, around 5:40 pm. Officers responded to reports of a man and woman involved in a physical confrontation with restaurant staff and causing damage to the property.

The dispute reportedly escalated following a disagreement over the payment of their bill, during which a weapon was allegedly used to threaten staff members.

Following the incident, a 39-year-old woman from Crawley was arrested nearby in Saxon Street on suspicion of criminal damage, common assault, and assault. She has since been bailed with strict conditions while further investigations continue.

Police are still working to identify a second suspect involved in the altercation.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured footage—whether on mobile phones or CCTV cameras—to come forward. This evidence could be crucial in assisting the ongoing investigation.

You can report information online or by calling 101 and quoting reference 917 of 12/10.