FRIENDS and neighbours have paid tribute to a “cheeky chappie” stabbed to death.

Ollie Wells, 18, was named by neighbours as the man stabbed in Newhaven last night.

Ollie had been staying with a friend who lives in Elphick Road.

One neighbour said: “I had seen them earlier in the evening.

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“Ollie was such a kind-hearted guy. He really helped me when I was having a bit of trouble.

“I think he was from a traveller family and his friend and mum had taken him in.

“Ollie had only just turned 18 a couple of weeks ago.

“I saw Ollie’s cousin earlier this morning and his whole family are in pieces.

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“I was so shocked when I heard what happened. I opened my kitchen window to find a policeman pointing a gun in my face.

“A lot of people say they are moving out of the street.

Neil Jones who lives next door said: “Ollie had been staying with a friend. The two of them were the best of friends. Ollie always seemed like a nice guy.

“He came from a travelling background and had family in Lewes.”

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A knife was recovered at the scene.

Nobody else was injured.

Detective Inspector Simon Dunn of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said; "This is a tragic incident and we are working to establish the full circumstances.

"It is already clear that the victim and his alleged assailant are known to each other and we are not currently looking for anyone else suspected of having been involved in the attack itself.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Ship Street and Elphick Road in the late evening and who may have witnessed an altercation between two individuals.

"Anyone who saw what happened, or who has any other information that they feel would help our enquiries is asked to contact us online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Tamworth."

"The family of the victim are being supported by our specially trained officers."

Lewes District Inspector Ed Ripley said; "We are reassuring local residents that the investigation is contained to the location involved and that there is no danger to the wider community.

"Our officers are in the area to advise and assist anyone who has particular concerns on learning of this matter, or who has any information they want to pass on."