Teenager stabbed in Horsham Park

A teenage boy was stabbed on Thursday night in Horsham Park

A teenage boy was taken to hospital following a stabbing in a West Sussex park on Thursday night.

Sussex Police said his injuries were "serious" but not life-threatening and appealed for witnesses to come forward as their investigations are ongoing.

The incident, which was briefly followed by police issuing stop and search and dispersal orders, happened just weeks after another stabbing on 7 October and five robberies reported between 24 September and 3 October in the same park.

One worried mother who lives locally said she felt unsafe and has told her children to avoid the park, adding she is "disgusted" at the violence.

"I don't feel safe walking my dog when its dark," she said.

"I don't let my kids come and play down here on their own.

"They're not able to walk down the street on their own and it's really affecting our lives."

Police said they have increased their patrols in the park since the start of October, and are using extra resources to try to prevent crime.

A 20-year-old man from Crawley, an18-year-old man from East Grinstead and a 21-year-old man from Crawley were all arrested in connection with the 7 October stabbing.

They have been released on bail with strict conditions.

Four men were arrested in connection with the robberies which took place in the park between 24 September and 3 October.

Two men, aged 19 and 20, were released with no further action while a 17-year-old boy, from London, was released under investigation, and an 18-year-old man from Crawley, was released on bail.

Ch Insp James Davidson said: “I will be conducting meetings with other key members of the community to step up security and safety in the park area. This trend of increased crime cannot, and will not, continue.

“We are engaging with local secondary schools to provide crime prevention advice and reassurance and I will be issuing a letter to parents and students to provide further information."

BBC South East has contacted South East Coast Ambulance Service for further information.