A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of killing another teenager in the city centre at rush hour.

It is alleged that the boy, from Southwick, killed 17-year-old Mustafa Momand near Brighton station.

Brighton Magistrates Court heard today that the boy stabbed Mustafa in Queen’s Road during rush hour at around 5pm on Thursday.

Mustafa collapsed and passersby jumped to try and save him.

The Argus: Mustafa Momand died last ThursdayMustafa Momand died last Thursday (Image: Family handout)

Police got to the scene where paramedics were treating Mustafa. The court heard that there “was a lot of blood on the floor”.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital by road ambulance, where he died. 

Appearing at the magistrates court this afternoon, the defendant spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address as he stood inside the dock.

He was wearing a grey jumper and trousers.

The parents of Mustafa Momand were in the court, as well as the family and a friend of the defendant.

As he left court, Mustafa's father turned and spat towards the dock.

The family of the other boy looked on as Mr Momand consoled his wife.

Two uniformed police officers also stood in the court.

The Argus: Forensic officer at the scene in Queen's RoadForensic officer at the scene in Queen's Road (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear before Hove Crown Court tomorrow accused of murder.

District Judge Tessa Szagun said: “I am sending you to the crown court. The only decision I am making is where you stay in accommodation. You know what was said by the prosecution, you were said to stab Mustafa.”

The defendant was remanded in custody.

Police have not been able to locate the weapon, believed to be a knife, that was used in the attack.

The force has encouraged people in Queen’s Road or The Avenue, Moulsecoomb, to check their gardens, bins or outbuildings for any sign of a discarded weapon.

Queen’s Road was cordoned off for around a day while forensic teams investigated.

Tributes have been left at the scene near to where Mustafa was stabbed.

Notes on the flowers read: “Rest easy Mustafa.

“Taken too soon”.

Another, from Darius and Sabz, read: "You will not be forgotten. RIP Mustee."