Eastbourne stabbing: Police make five arrests

Police are investigating an assault in which a 13-year-old boy was stabbed near Eastbourne seafront, on Sunday afternoon (20 September

The local boy was airlifted to hospital to receive medical treatment and he is due to be discharged.

The incident happened in Grand Parade near the junctions with Elms Avenue and Cavendish Place at about 5.10pm.

A group of young people were seen leaving the scene and police arrested five local people on Sunday evening.

Three boys, two aged 16 and one 17, a woman, 22, and a man, 20, were arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and are currently in custody.

A search for a knife, which has not been recovered, is taking place on Monday (21 September).

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Rob Tillyer, said: “This is a distressing incident and the young teenage victim is being supported by specialist officers.

"It has been a fast-moving investigation and we have a continued police presence in the area.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened or has information to contact us.

“We are focusing our enquiries on Grand Parade and the junction with Elms Avenue and Cavendish Place and I urge anyone who has information, including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage from that area from 4pm to 6pm, to contact us by phoning 101 or report online quoting serial 1096 of 20/09. 

“We would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances while the investigation is ongoing."

Chief Inspector Kara Tombling, Eastbourne district commander, said: “The victim is being released from hospital after being stabbed.

“We understand the concern and distress that a serious incident such as this can cause within our community.

“Officers are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, and there will be an increased police presence in the area while our enquiries continue. 

"These officers are there not only to support the investigation, but also to provide reassurance to residents, businesses and those visiting the area.

“We recognise that incidents of violence can understandably make people feel worried about their safety. Please speak to our officers if you have any concerns.

"We are working closely with our partners and the local community to reduce knife crime and serious violence.   

“We urge that if you have concerns about someone carrying a knife, report it either to Sussex Police online or phone 101 or through Crimestoppers Fearless. 

"Nearly £600,000 is to be spent on making knife crime hotspots in Eastbourne, Crawley and Brighton safer, through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund.

“The Fund will go towards supporting tough police enforcement activity, such as enhanced police patrols, alongside interventions for young people most at risk of being a victim or perpetrator of knife crime."