A 17-year-old boy stabbed to death in Brighton city centre has been named as Mustafa Momand.
Police were called to busy Queen’s Road on Thursday evening to reports of the stabbing – and the teenager was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following an “extensive search”, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of the murder and remains in police custody, Sussex Police said.
Mustafa’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward after the fatal stabbing which made locals question their safety.
Abigail Cull said: “I’m just in shock and disbelief really, because it’s a 17-year-old that was killed and normally I feel so safe in this city, but I think everyone is just in a bit of disbelief because it happened in broad daylight.”
Sophie Pollard, director of MyHaus Brighton estate agents, told BBC News it was “shocking” that the stabbing happened right outside her business.
She added: “I can’t even think about their family and their friends at school.”
Shopkeeper Hakan Toklu, who had lived in the city for 23 years, commented he had “never seen anything like this”.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell of Sussex Police said: “This is a tragic incident in which a young man has lost his life and our thoughts are with Mustafa’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“A suspect is in custody and a fast-moving investigation is under way to establish exactly what happened. There will be an increased police presence in the area while this is ongoing.
“We are working with our partners to limit disruption from the Queen’s Road closure that’s currently in place, and we’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding at this time.
“This incident took place in the centre of the city at a peak time. Officers have already spoken with many witnesses but we continue to urge anyone who saw what happened or saw any suspicious behaviour in the area around that time to please come forward.
“Similarly, we are asking anyone who has relevant information or video footage – for example from a dashcam or their mobile phone – to get in touch.”
