A quiet afternoon on Worthing's popular seafront turned to chaos and violence when a teenage boy was stabbed in a shocking broad daylight attack that has left the coastal community reeling.
The incident occurred near the town's iconic pier on Saturday afternoon, sending beachgoers and tourists into panic as emergency services rushed to the scene. Witnesses reported seeing police vehicles and ambulances converging on the area around 4:30 PM.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Sussex Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the stabbing, with officers cordoning off a significant section of the seafront to preserve forensic evidence. Detective Inspector Mark Cullimore confirmed that the victim, whose age hasn't been officially released but is believed to be in his late teens, sustained serious injuries requiring immediate hospital treatment.
"We are treating this as a serious assault and are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry," DI Cullimore stated. "The seafront was busy with families and visitors at the time, and we're appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward immediately."
Community Shock and Reaction
Local residents and business owners expressed their horror at the violence occurring in what's typically considered a family-friendly area. The seafront, known for its charming cafes, amusement arcades, and stunning sea views, is usually packed with visitors during summer weekends.
One local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, told reporters: "It's absolutely terrifying that this could happen here in broad daylight. Worthing is generally such a peaceful place - this has really shaken everyone up."
Ongoing Police Presence
Police have maintained a visible presence in the area throughout the evening, conducting house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding businesses. Forensic teams were seen working meticulously within the cordoned-off area, collecting evidence that might lead to identifying the perpetrator.
Authorities have reassured the public that this appears to be an isolated incident, but have increased patrols in the area as a precautionary measure. The investigation continues as police work to establish the circumstances leading up to the attack and identify those responsible.
