Police launch urgent investigation

A 13-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after a serious ᴀssault near the seafront in Eastbourne, prompting a major police investigation.

The incident happened at around 5:10 p.m. on September 20 on Grand Parade, close to the junctions with Elms Avenue and Cavendish Place.

SusSєx Police said the boy had suffered an injury consistent with a kn#fe ᴀssault and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Group seen leaving the scene

Officers initially appealed for witnesses after a group of young people were reportedly seen leaving the area following the incident.

Police increased their presence around the seafront while detectives worked to establish exactly what happened.

Investigators also appealed for CCTV, mobile-phone footage and dashcam recordings from the area between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the day of the incident.

Five people arrested

By September 21, police had made five arrests in connection with the investigation.

Those arrested include three boys aged 16, 16 and 17, as well as a 22-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man.

They are being questioned on suspicion of ᴀssault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Police are continuing searches in the area as they work to locate a kn#fe that has not yet been accounted for.

13-year-old victim recovering

The latest update from police indicates that the young victim received medical treatment and is now being discharged from hospital.

Detective Inspector Rob Tillyer said the teenager is being supported by specialist officers as the investigation continues.

Police have described the inquiry as fast-moving and are continuing to appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have captured relevant footage.

Increased police presence

Officers remain in the area while detectives piece together the circumstances surrounding the ᴀssault.

SusSєx Police said the additional patrols are intended both to support the investigation and reᴀssure residents, businesses and visitors following the incident.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact SusSєx Police and quote serial 1096 of September 20.

Source: SusSєx Police; ITV News Meridian.