A teenage boy has appeared in court charged with murdering a man with a single knife blow to the heart.

The 17-year-old boy appeared in front of magistrates in Brighton following the death of Billy Ripley.

Mr Ripley, 20 was found with a fatal stab wound in Hailsham town centre on Thursday evening. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, spoke only to confirm his name and to say he understood the charges.

Emergency services battled in vain to save Mr Ripley’s life after he was found in Vicarage Road on Thursday, August 29. He was pronounced dead at the scene within an hour of the first 999 call.

His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers, Sussex Police said.

A spokesman for the force confirmed the teenager and Mr Ripley were known to each other.

Flowers were laid at the scene and Mr Ripley's family launched a crowdfunder to raise money to cover funeral expenses.

His family described the 20-year-old as a "loving, caring and kind" man who has left behind a daughter, aged two.

Mr Ripley's aunt, Julie Puttick, said in a statement on 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."

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

Mr Ripley suffered a stab to the chest and died as a result.

The 17-year-old and the deceased were known to each other. Members of the public came across the victim and emergency services were called.

Mr Ripley died within an hour.

A 20-year-old man from Hailsham was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder over the weekend and remains in police custody.

On Friday, a 21-year-old woman from Hailsham was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

She has been released on conditional bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “This has been a hugely distressing incident, not least for the family and friends of Billy Ripley, but also the wider community.

“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."

The teenager will appear at Lewes Crown Court tomorrow.