Police hunt for tomato-throwing attacker after seven incidents in Eastbourne and Hastings in Sussex

An investigation is under way into a series of attacks involving fruit being thrown at pedestrians, leaving one person seriously injured after a tomato was aimed at their head.

Police said the incidents which took place over three days in Eastbourne and Hastings, in Sussex, were unprovoked.

In all seven cases, the victims were going about their daily business when they were hit with tomatoes, apples or other items hurled from a vehicle.

In the first attack, on Wednesday April 12, the victim was walking along Bohemia Road in Hastings at around 7.30pm when they were hit in the face with an apple, causing minor injuries.

On Thursday April 13, a person was hit in the arm with a tomato while walking along Firle Road, Eastbourne, just before 8pm.

Then, on Friday April 14, at approximately 1.15pm, another victim was hit with a tomato while walking on St Philips Avenue, Eastbourne.

Shortly after this, a person was struck in the face with an unknown object on Ashford Road, Eastbourne, causing minor injuries.

Later that same day, at around 2.40pm, a person was near Lidl on Bohemia Road, Hastings, when they were hit in the head with a tomato.

This was followed by two further attacks in The Bourne, Hastings.

One person was hit on the head with a tomato and another was hit in the face with an unknown object, causing serious injuries.

Investigator Caroline Bendell, from the Hastings Criminal Investigation Department, said: “Most of these attacks have occurred during daytime hours when the victims have been out alone in open and public places

“In all cases, the victims have been going about their daily routine when they have been hit by items believed to have been thrown or propelled in some way from a vehicle.

“There have been no links established between each of the victims, however it is believed that these incidents are part of a series.

“We are asking any witnesses to come forward and any further victims.

“You can contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1076 of 14/04. If you are in danger, always call 999.”