Appeal for witnesses after Worthing assault

Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with a serious assault in Liverpool Road, Worthing.

Officers were called at about 5.30pm on Monday, February 13 to a disturbance outside the McDonald’s restaurant.

A 16-year-old boy sustained life-threatening injuries after he was stabbed, and remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Officers have made two arrests in connection with the incident, and are carrying out increased high-visibility patrols in Worthing town centre to provide reassurance to the public.

An order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been issued for the next 24 hours.

This will allow police officers to search anyone and seize any weapons found in Worthing town centre, without grounds, to prevent further incidents taking place.

Those who fail to submit to a search will be committing a criminal offence.

West Sussex local policing Superintendent Nicholas Dias said: “The decision to put this order in place has not been taken lightly and shows the seriousness of our response after the incident which took place in the town centre on Monday.

"It is a short-term measure aimed at targeting and disrupting those committing these incidents.

“We continue to respond to concerns about anti-social behaviour from a small group of young people in and around the Worthing area, working closely with our partners.

“This includes working closely with Worthing District Council and key partners in Children’s Services to address these issues and keep our communities safe.

“This is a fast-moving investigation, and we are seeking to bring all those involved to justice. I would urge anyone who witnessed this incident on Monday to come forward and report it to us, and to report any youth anti-social behaviour to us online or by calling 101.”

Sussex Police can confirm a 17-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. They remain in custody at this stage.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident are asked to report it to Sussex Police online and quote Operation Central.