A teenager accused of murdering a young father with a single stab to his heart will face trial in the new year.
Detectives are continuing their investigations after Billy Ripley, from Hailsham, was stabbed at the town's Vicarage Field shopping centre last Thursday.
The boy, aged 17, is accused of murdering him with one stab to his heart. He cannot be named for legal reasons.
Judge Christine Laing KC told a hearing at Lewes Crown Court this morning the boy will face trial in January and it is likely to last three weeks. The boy was not present in court.
Sussex Police detectives are continuing house-to-house inquiries in the town.
The family of 20-year-old Mr Ripley have set up a fundraiser for his funeral and headstone and have so far gathered £4,500.
Read more: Tributes paid to "loving, caring and kind" dad stabbed to death
Mr Ripley, who was declared dead at the scene on Thursday evening, leaves a partner and two-year-old daughter. They are being supported by specialist police officers.
His aunt Julie Puttick said: "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 worked throughout the night to gather evidence, collecting CCTV footage and combing through alleyways and streets while much of the town centre was sealed off.
The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell.
He said: “This has been a hugely distressing incident, not least for the family and friends of Billy Ripley, but also the wider community.
“I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while our officers have conducted enquiries in the local area.
“Our officers will remain on patrol for reassurance, and in the meantime I would still urge anyone who can assist us in our investigation to please come forward and contact us."
Two other people have been arrested during the police's investigation. A 21-year-old woman from Hailsham was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender. She has since been released on bail.
Another man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on Sunday. He remains in police custody.
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