Rustington residents’ ‘horror’ at stabbing incident

Police were called to sheltered housing complex, in Oakhurst Gardens, at 9.18pm on Friday (September 13), where paramedics treated two men for serious stab wounds.

One resident, who feared for his safety and refused to be named, said: “It was crazy. There were police and paramedics everywhere.

“There was blood all on the floor and I could hear one man screaming for help. He looked like he was panicking and had been stabbed.”

The victims, a 24-year-old male with serious injuries, and a 47-year-old man, with critical injuries, were taken to hospital.

It is understood that the 47-year-old, whose identity has not been released by police, suffered at deep cuts to his chest, lung and cheek and serious cuts in his chest and head area.

He is recovering in hospital.

Unemployed Gareth Healey, 24, of Meadowside, in Angmering, has since appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court, charged with the attempted murder of one of his house mates.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service told magistrates at the hearing that an argument had broken out between the defendant and the victim inside the property, moments before the alleged crime took place.

In a statement released after the stabbing, Detective Inspector Rob Walker from West Sussex CID said: “It was immediately apparent that a very serious incident had occurred at the property, with victims and others at the house being covered in blood.”

Healey has been remanded in custody and will appear at Chichester Crown Court on October 11.

Police are now appealing for witnesses. DI Walker is urging people to police on 101 or e-mail [email protected] quoting Operation Heron. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 44-year-old man from Rustington, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been bailed until October 7.

A 52-year-old man from Rustington, also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, was released with no further action taken.