A fourth teenager has been arrested in connection with the murder of an 18-year-old in a town centre.

The teen, from Crawley, was pronounced dead shortly after an assault yesterday afternoon in Malthouse Road, close to Crawley railway station.

Paramedics and passers-by desperately fought to save his life as he lay dying in the street.

An 18-year-old male, also from Crawley, was arrested on suspicion of murder earlier this morning, police have confirmed.

It comes after a 17-year-old boy from Worthing and an 18-year-old male from Horsham were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday, with an 18-year-old female from Crawley also arrested for assisting an offender.

All four teenagers remain in police custody.

Chief Inspector Ben Starns of the Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Our investigation is still in the early stages and we’re doing everything we can to seek justice for the victim and his family.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident, with no threat to the wider community.

“While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with it, we are still appealing for anyone with any information, or anyone who witnessed the incident or captured footage of it, to come forward.”

Increased police patrols will take place in the area to reassure the public following the attack.

Chief Inspector Starns said that the tragic event is a “stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that carrying and using a knife can have”.

He said: “Tackling knife crime and serious violence is one of the top priorities for Sussex Police.

“It is a complex issue and it’s not one that can be solved by police alone.

“To create real long-lasting change, it’s essential that we continue to work closely with our partners, young people and their families on awareness and education.”

Parents and carers who are concerned about the possibility that someone they care for is in danger of becoming a victim of knife crime are urged to talk to them in the first instance or seek advice from Family Lives on 0808 800 2222.

Anyone with information that can assist police with their investigation can report it to police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Gateford.