FOUR children have been charged after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed in a town centre.

The boys – three aged 14 and one aged 12, all from Worthing, have been charged with committing grievous bodily harm with intent following the attack in Worthing on March 13.

They have been released on bail to appear before Brighton Youth Court on April 22.

A fifth boy, 14, from Littlehampton, has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, a knife, in public. He was released under investigation.

Two boys, aged 15 and 13, from Littlehampton have been released without charge.

The group of children cannot be named for legal reasons and police are reminding the public that identifying any of the suspects or speculating about the circumstances could jeopardise the right to a fair trial.

Armed officers responded to the incident in Chapel Road, close to Liverpool Road, at around 4.45pm on Sunday, March 13.

A 13-year-old boy was taken to hospital having sustained wounds to his torso. He has since been discharged.

 Sussex Police trawled CCTV, took witness statements and carried out drone searches, resulting in the arrest of seven children.

Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, District Commander for Adur and Worthing, said: “I would like to reassure the public that we continue to work with partner agencies and the local community to prevent and detect youth violence, and to take robust action against offenders.

“This remains an active investigation, and anyone with any information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Abacus.”