A boy who was stabbed outside a McDonald’s is still in hospital more than two weeks after the incident.

The 16-year-old boy who was injured in Liverpool Road, Worthing, on Monday, February 13, remains in hospital in a “serious but stable condition”, police have said.

Two teenagers have been charged with wounding with intent in relation to the incident.

The boys aged 15 and 16 were also charged on suspicion of wounding with intent, affray, and possession of a knife or bladed article in public after the incident in Worthing town centre.  

The teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on February 16.

They were remanded in custody and will appear before Lewes Crown Court on March 23.

The Argus: Forensic officers took photographs of the sceneForensic officers took photographs of the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Sussex Police Superintendent Nick Dias said: “We have charged two suspects in connection with this incident, but we continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

“Sussex Police continues to respond to people’s concerns about antisocial behaviour from a small group of young people in and around the Worthing area.

“We are working closely with our partners, including Worthing District Council and key partners in Children’s Services to address these issues and keep our communities safe.”

At the time, an  order to allow police to stop and search people for weapons in Worthing town centre was put in place for 24 hours after the incident.

Police made a total of five arrests in connection to the incident, which happened at around 5.30pm outside McDonald’s.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "A 13-year-old boy arrested on February 13, a 13-year-old boy arrested on February 15, and a 17-year-old boy arrested on February 17 have all been bailed, pending further investigation.

"An 18-year-old young man arrested on February 13 was released without charge."

The Argus: One of the knives found by police at the sceneOne of the knives found by police at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

At the time, Chief Superintendent Jo Banks urged anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police.

She said: “This is a fast-moving investigation and the public will see a significant police presence around the town centre as we establish the full circumstances.

“We are exploring a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible and bring them into custody.”

Anyone with information that can help police with their investigation should contact Sussex Police online or via 101, quoting Operation Central.