Tributes have been paid to a young dad who was stabbed to death in a busy shopping area.

Flowers have been laid at the scene of Billy Ripley's death in Hailsham town centre by friends and family after he died of his wounds at the scene.

Family have described the 20-year-old as a "loving, caring and kind" man who has left behind a daughter, aged two, following the incident last Thursday.

A police officer outside the scene on ThursdayA police officer outside the scene on Thursday (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

His family are being supported by specialist officers as they come to terms with the news.

A fundraiser has already been set up for his funeral and headstone - raising almost £4,000 in just one day.

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Mr Ripley's aunt, Julie Puttick, said in a statement on platform GoFundMe: "He was a family person who loved everyone, especially his daughter.

"We would like to raise this money to give him the send off and headstone he deserves, as he was a loving, caring and kind young man who will be missed by everyone and will always be with us."

Detectives in the town centre on Friday morningDetectives in the town centre on Friday morning (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Police launched a murder investigation after paramedics declared him dead at the scene in the Vicarage Field shopping centre at around 6.20pm.

Officers warned people to stay away from the town centre that evening while a manhunt for a suspect was under way. The high street, churchyard and shopping centre were all sealed off to the public.

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A 17-year-old boy, found in a nearby property on the same night, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detectives worked throughout the night to gather evidence, collecting CCTV footage and combing through alleyways and streets to find any clues.

Police sealed off the town centre while looking for a suspectPolice sealed off the town centre while looking for a suspect (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Another woman, aged 21, was taken to custody the following day on suspicion of assisting an offender. The pair are said to be known to Mr Ripley.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, who is leading the investigation - dubbed Operation Par, said: “We would once again like to express our sincere condolences to the family of the young man who has lost his life.

“They will continue to receive our full support while we search for answers.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, but we can confirm the individuals involved were known to each other.

“Additional officers have been out in the community to offer reassurance and that engagement will continue, with partner agencies, over the weekend.

“We are continuing to appeal for witnesses, or anyone who may have relevant video footage, to contact us."

Sussex Police has set up a new online portal for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

The force launched its Major Incident Public Portal where witness statements, footage or other information can be uploaded.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously.