Emergencies and keeping safe
In an emergency, call 999
This is the emergency number for the police, fire service and ambulance service.
Police
An emergency is:
- a serious incident has happened or is happening
- someone is at risk of immediate danger or harm
- property is in danger of being damaged or
- something has happened which will cause disruption to others, for example a car accident.
Ambulance service
Phone 999 if you or someone you live with has a serious illness or injury, such as:
- heart attack
- severe pain
- stroke
- severe bleeding
Fire and rescue service
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are available every day of the year to respond to fires and other emergencies. They also work to prevent emergencies from happening in the first place, and protect people and property.
Non-emergencies
Police
Non-emergencies include anti-social behaviour, fraud and sexual assault. You can contact the police in a number of ways to report these:
- visit Sussex Police
- phone 101
- send them a private message on social media
- visit your local police station
Keeping safe
Safety of children and teenagers
If you are worried about a child or teenager who might be at risk of harm, see our Single Point of Advice (SPoA) page for what to do:
Safety of adults
If you have a concern about an adult at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, see our Adult Social Care Connect page for what to do:
The guidance on Raising Concerns about Abuse and Neglect explains signs of abuse and neglect, and what should be reported as a safeguarding concern.
Exploitation and modern slavery
People seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine must be able to move without the risk of exploitation. If you need support, the campaign ‘Travel Safe, Stay Safe’ has information in Ukrainian, Russian and English.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority also has useful resources:
Reporting war crimes
The police support the investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine since 21 November 2013.
They want to speak to anyone who may have seen or been a victim of any war crimes or crimes against humanity. They also want to hear from anyone who has evidence of war crimes committed in Ukraine, such as video or images.
To report war crimes:
- Report a war crime - Sussex Police
- Call 101 at any time
- Visit your local police station
Any evidence gathered by the police may be shared with the ICC in support of their investigation. However, we’ll treat all the information you provide in total confidence.