Three 16-year-old boys have been charged over the stabbing of a man in Crawley.
The victim, a 22-year-old local man, was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries after being attacked in Curteys Walk, Bewbush, around 8.40pm on Thursday 2 January.
A further incident occurred in the vicinity of Bewbush shops around 3pm on Monday 13 January. No injuries were recorded on this occasion.
All three teens were charged with wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article in public. One was also charged with GBH and another count of possessing a bladed article in public.
A 44-year-old woman from Crawley and a 13-year-old girl were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both were released on conditional bail until 14 April, pending further enquiries.
Police believe the two incidents are linked and involve people known to each other, and there is no known risk to the wider public.
Officers will continue to provide a high visibility presence in the area for community reassurance.
Crawley District Commander, Chief Inspector Steve Turner, said: ”We are aware of these violent incidents that have resulted in significant injuries to the victim. Police will not tolerate this sort of behaviour, and the above arrests and outcomes reflect the robust response taken.
“Anyone committing serious violence will be relentlessly pursued and prosecuted for offences.
“We will maintain a high visibility police presence in the area, and we continue to work with our colleagues in the Safer Crawley Partnership in response to this. I would encourage residents and communities to help us with information in regard to the above.”
Anyone with any information or video footage of either incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1092 of 02/01.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.
