Hailsham stabbing: Boy, 17, arrested on suspicion of murder

The 17-year-old was put in cuffs after a manhunt in Hailsham, near Eastbourne, last night following the discovery of a man's body in the town centre.

Emergency services say the victim, a man in his 20s, was found with a stab wound in the Vicarage Field area at around 6.20pm - and was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. His family have been told.

Officers and detectives are in the area this morning trying to piece together last night's events - and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Chief Inspector James Scott said: “This is a tragic incident which I know will be distressing for the community.

“Our thoughts are with the family of this young man as we seek to understand exactly what happened this evening."

Police taped off the High Street (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The High Street, Vicarage Field shopping centre, and a nearby churchyard were among locations sealed off by police following the incident. Green barricades were installed to prevent the public from looking into the scene.

Police told the public to stay away from the area while the manhunt for a suspect was under way.

“The significant police presence will remain in the area, as part of the investigation and to offer reassurance. If you have any concerns, please do speak to an officer," Chief Inspector Scott added.

“We are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Par.”

The teenage suspect was found at a property in the town later on Thursday evening and remains in police custody.