TWO other children have been arrested after a 13-year-old was stabbed in an attack in the town centre.
Five boys aged between 12 and 14 were arrested in Worthing town center on Sunday after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed.
Two other boys, both 14, were also arrested, police said. The seven children were released on bail under strict conditions.
Armed officers responded to the scene and cordoned off the area of Chapel Road, near Liverpool Road at around 4.45pm.
Searches in the area, including the use of a police drone in Liverpool Gardens, also took place.
The victim was taken to hospital, where he continues to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, District Commander of Adur and Worthing, said: ‘As a parent and mother, I fully understand why the local community is so concerned about yesterday’s incident.
“While we are treating this as an isolated incident, I am well aware of recent reports of youth violence, anti-social behavior and criminal damage in the Worthing area.
“The behavior we have seen among a small minority of young people in the community is deeply concerning, but addressing youth violence remains my priority, and my team and I will maintain our robust approach to addressing this completely unacceptable behavior and ensure that those who commit these acts are held accountable for their actions.
“I would ask, however, that people do not speculate or share the names of young people on social media, as this can seriously hamper our investigation.
“Where people have witnessed or captured the incident on CCTV or mobile phone, I urge you to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 874 of 03/13.
“While the investigation continues, there will be a continued high visibility police presence in and around Worthing town center over the next few days.
“Rest assured, we will continue to work in partnership with other agencies and the local community to reduce youth violence.”
The arrests include:
- Three 14-year-old boys, all from Worthing, were arrested on suspicion of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm.
- A 15-year-old boy from Worthing has been arrested on suspicion of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm.
- A 14-year-old boy from Littlehampton has been arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon (a knife) in public.
- A 13-year-old boy from Littlehampton has been arrested on suspicion of attempted intentional injury.
- A 12-year-old boy from Worthing has been arrested on suspicion of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-15 14:27:01
