A teenager has been charged with murder after a fatal stabbing in the centre of Brighton last week - but police have been unable to locate the weapon used in the attack.

The 16-year-old boy, from Southwick, has been charged after being held in custody over the weekend following the death of Mustafa Momand, 17, last week.

However, Sussex Police added that they had still been unable to trace the weapon, believed to be a knife, that is thought to have been used in the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family, who continue to be supported by officers at this difficult time.

“This is a fast-moving investigation and our efforts to establish the exact circumstances of what happened that day are ongoing.

MOST READ:

“We know that a weapon – believed to be a knife – was used in the attack, and despite extensive searches of the area we have so far been unable to trace it.

"I would therefore urge anyone in the vicinity of Queens Road or The Avenue, Moulsecoomb, to please check their gardens, bins or outbuildings for any signs of a discarded weapon, and if you see anything, please report it to us immediately.”

The Argus: Police in Queens RoadPolice in Queens Road (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Mustafa died in hospital on Thursday, October 5 after being stabbed in Queen’s Road near Brighton Railway station.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested in Moulsecoomb with police urging people to search their bins and gardens for a potential weapon.

A section of Queen’s Road was closed for around a day while police continue enquiries including searches in Bevendean Crescent and Rose Hill Terrace.

Floral tributes have since been laid near the scene of the incident.

Sussex Police had previously been granted extra time to question the 16-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons. That extra time was due to expire later today.

The suspect will appear at Brighton Youth Court tomorrow morning.