Worthing teen arrested after attacks on boys in Horsham

Police say that the two boys were punched and kicked and had a brick thrown at them during an attack in Horsham Park - and one was attacked again later the same day.

Officers say that the victims, aged 15 and 16, were set upon by two other boys who were with a man and a woman at Horsham’s skate park area at around 4pm on March 1.

One of the victims had a breeze block thrown at him, causing bruising, and both were punched and kicked.

Later the same evening, at about 6pm, the two victims were with a group of friends near an underpass by the park when they were chased by the same two from the earlier incident.

A police spokesman said: “During this, the same 15-year-old victim received a puncture wound to his back and stomach.

“He required hospital attention but was released shortly afterwards.”

Police enquiries led to the arrest of a 17-year-old boy from Worthing on suspicion of affray, possession of cannabis and criminal damage, and a 16-year-old boy from Croydon on suspicion of wounding with intent.

Both have been released on conditional bail until 30 March, pending further investigations.

Detective Constable Colin Taylor, of the Adur, Worthing and Horsham Investigations Team, said: “We are aware of issues surrounding youth violence in the area, and we are working with partners including the local authority to provide education and enforcement.

“This includes an increase in high visibility patrols for public reassurance.

“We must be clear that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated, and anyone caught and convicted of offences will be dealt with robustly.”

Anyone with any information about either incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1235 of 01/03 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.