Tributes have been paid to a “cheeky” teenager who died following a knife attack at the weekend.

A 16-year old has been charged with murder.

Charlie Cosser, 17, also known as “Cheeks”, died in hospital after being stabbed multiple times in the early hours of Sunday, July 23 in Marches Lane in Warnham.

The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.

Charlie’s family, mum Tara, dad Martin and siblings Adam and Eloise, paid tribute to their son saying their lives have been “destroyed by the tragic and unnecessary loss".

They added: “He was the most caring, cheeky, loving son and brother we could have ever wished for, and we cannot imagine a life without him.

“His ridiculously silly sense of humour will be deeply missed by everyone that knew and loved him.

“Despite courageously battling right till the very end of his young and innocent life, his injuries were too severe and he tragically passed away on the evening of Tuesday 25 July.

“Charlie’s wider family are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden loss. His grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are struggling to come to terms with this tragic event.

“Tributes have been pouring in from Charlie’s wide circle of friends which we would like to acknowledge have brought us huge comfort in our darkest hours.

“We would also like to thank on our and Charlie’s behalf, all of the efforts of the emergency services who treated him on the scene, as well as the whole of the critical care team at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, who did absolutely everything they could to save our precious boy, with the utmost compassion, empathy, sympathy and care.”

The 16-year-old charged with Charlie’s murder remains in custody and will appear before Crawley Magistrates’ Court today.

Another 16-year-old boy who was initially arrested on suspicion of the murder of Charlie, from Surrey, is now being treated as a witness and will face no further action.

A 16-year-old girl from Horsham, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. She also remains in custody and is slated to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court today.

A 52-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Sussex Police Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: “This remains a complex and fast-moving investigation and we continue to appeal for anyone with any information about this tragic incident to come forward.

“We know there were a number of young people in attendance at an event and we are keen to speak to them.

“In the meantime, we urge the public not to speculate about the incident on social media as it may jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”

Police are urging anyone with any information to report it to Sussex Police online via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 01273 470101, quoting Operation Ketley.

Information can also be passed to police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.