Brighton community in shock after boy, 17, fatally stabbed in city centre

Queens Road - the main street from Brighton station to the city centre - has been sealed off by police

The fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in a busy city centre has left a community in shock, locals have said.

After an extensive search in Brighton, police arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.

The victim, who has not yet been named, was taken to hospital on Thursday afternoon and pronounced dead.

Queens Road, where the stabbing took place, remained closed and a nearby estate agent said there was a "really quiet, ominous feeling" on the street.

Sophie Pollard, director of MyHaus Brighton, said it was "shocking" that the stabbing was right outside her business.

"I can't even think about their family and their friends at school," she added.

Another local, Abigail Cull, said the attack had made her question her safety.

"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," she said.

Abigail Cull said locals were in "disbelief" that the incident happened in broad daylight

A shopkeeper said he had lived in the city for 23 years and "never seen anything like this".

Hakan Toklu, who manages Grocer and Grain on Surrey Street, said he had been left shocked and he now felt unsafe walking to work.

"[It is] a shame because Brighton is such a safe and peaceful place," he added.

Hakan Toklu's shop overlooks where the boy was fatally stabbed

Local MP Caroline Lucas posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she was "shocked and incredibly sorry" to hear about the boy's death.

"My thoughts and sympathies with friends and loved ones," she added.

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, posted that he was "angry and heartbroken" at the loss of life.

"This will shock and worry our whole city," he said, adding that Sussex Police would "conduct a rigorous investigation".

Flowers have been placed at the scene of the stabbing

Det Supt Andy Wolstenholme said there would be an increased police presence in the area for some time.

"The investigation into last night's tragic events is moving at pace and we are working hard to gather all available evidence," he said.

"This is a tragic incident in which a young man has lost his life and we understand the community will be shocked and alarmed."

He added: "Officers have already spoken with many witnesses, but we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw a man dressed in black leaving the area who hasn't yet provided details to the police."

Det Ch Insp Simon Yates from the force said: "You can see the devastating effects, if you carry a knife you're likely to be harmed or harm someone else and we can see that this has ended up in the murder of a 17-year-old child who has now lost their life which is devastating for all."

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