The number of violent crimes reported this summer is significantly higher than last summer in an area where a teenager was stabbed to death, new figures reveal.

Crime statistics show that 146 violent and sexual offences were reported in the North Laine area between June and August this year. Sussex Police include Queen's Road in the North Laine area.

That figure was up more than eight per cent from the same period in 2022.

Of those 146 reported offences, eight were reported on or near Queen’s Road, where 17-year-old Mustafa Momand was stabbed to death earlier this month.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder with a provisional trial date set for February 19 next year.

More than one in ten of the offences reported over the three-month period were recorded on or near one street alone - Foundry Street.

The North Laine region covers the Royal Pavilion Gardens, as well as Valley Gardens, and the range of shops and pubs around the North Laine area.

Sussex Police said they are taking “proactive measures” to protect the public from harm.

Chief Inspector Karen Osborn, of Brighton and Hove’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “We understand the significant impact violent and sexual offences have on victims, their friends and families, and the wider community.

“North Laine is a vibrant area filled with pubs, bars and restaurants and we work incredibly closely with those businesses and licensed premises to help people stay safe and enjoy the night-time economy.

“There are a range of initiatives in place to support this work, including night safety marshals, street pastors, taxi marshals and high-visibility patrols carried out by our officers and PCSOs to provide reassurance and engagement opportunities in the community.

“We will continue to take proactive measures to deter criminal behaviour and protect the public from harm, holding any perpetrators to account.

“The public and community are our eyes and ears and it is vital that any incidents or information are reported to the police so we can build up a picture of the areas most affected.

“This includes the use of the StreetSafe app, which allows people to record areas where they feel unsafe or uneasy so we can focus resources accordingly and work with the most appropriate partners. This will allow us to deliver the best service and greatest impact we can.”