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A 14-year-old boy has been sentenced to four years in a youth offenders institute following a stabbing in Worthing earlier this year, Sussex Police have said.

They said police patrolling Worthing town centre on March 13 were flagged down by a boy, who was 13 at the time, who had ‘sustained wounds to his leg and shoulder’.

This followed an earlier verbal altercation in the town centre between two groups of youths, said police, adding that officers provided immediate first aid before the boy was taken to hospital and later discharged.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Following enquiries, which included CCTV trawls, witness statements and drone searches, a total of seven youths were arrested. Neither of them can be named for legal reasons. A 14-year-old boy from Worthing was charged with committing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife in public, and was remanded in custody.”

There was a large police presence in Worthing on March 13, following the incident. Photo by Eddie Mitchell

Sussex Police said the boy pleaded guilty to the offences and appeared before Lewes Crown Court where he was sentenced to four years in a youth offenders institute, plus two years on extended licence.

They confirmed that three youths were released with no further action, and said the remaining three were discounted by the Crown Prosecution Service and will face no further action.

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Chief inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, district commander for Adur and Worthing, said: “This was a truly shocking incident which took place during daylight hours in the middle of a busy town centre. Thankfully for the victim, police officers were around the corner when it happened and able to offer immediate first aid.

“I hope this significant sentence sends a strong message to those willing to carry and knife and use it to inflict harm on others, that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will do everything within our power to hold these people to account and ensure they are dealt with robustly.”

She added: “The defendant in this case has expressed remorse for what he has done, and I hope this sentence goes some way to making him realise the impact his actions have had on the victim, his family and the wider community.”

People who are concerned for their safety or are worried that a friend carries a knife, can call 101. In an emergency people should call 999.

Worthing stabbing: 14-year-old sentenced to four years in youth offenders institute