A 16-YEAR-OLD boy is one of three people arrested over the stabbing of a young man.

Police were called to Sea Road in East Preston at about 4pm on Thursday following a report of two men assaulting another man.

They arrived to find the 20-year-old with a stab wound to the abdomen which was initially believed to be "potentially life-threatening".

He was airlifted to hospital but has since been discharged.

A manhunt was launched and ground units scoured the East Preston area into Thursday evening. A police helicopter assisted with the search.

But, 24 hours on, the force said no suspects had been identified.

Today, Sussex Police confirmed they have now made three arrests in connection with the violent incident.

A 20-year-old man from Angmering has been detained on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place. 

A 16-year-old local boy was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A 37-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released under investigation.

Detective Inspector Kim May said: "These arrests represent significant developments in our investigation as we continue to work hard to establish the circumstances.

"We continue to appeal to anyone who saw what happened or witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area.

"We understand that this incident may have caused concern and would like to assure the public that we are investigating this as a priority and we will not tolerate violence in our communities.

"This incident is being treated as isolated and there is nothing to suggest that there is any threat to the wider community."

The police investigation is ongoing and officers are urging anyone with information to come forward.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Anyone with any information, or who witnessed anything suspicious, can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Treble.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. www.crimestoppers-uk.org."