A witness has backed a youth's claims that he was looking for teenager Will Devall shortly after divorcee Gary Rae was attacked and killed.

The youth claims he played no part in the attack but arrived at the scene later.

The girl said she saw the 17-year-old standing by a tree near Mr Rae's flat in Hailsham town centre. She told a court: "He asked me if I knew where Will was and I said no."

Mr Rae died after he was allegedly attacked by a gang of six teenagers outside his flat behind the High Street.

Devall, of Meadow Road, Hailsham, and a second 17-year-old have admitted hitting the father-of-two with baseball bats. They deny murder but admit manslaughter.

Shane Challice, 19, of South Road, Hailsham, Jason Jackson, 18, and two youths aged 16 and 17, are alleged to have joined in the attack or encouraged the others to do so. They deny murder.

Jackson, of Albert Road, Polegate, had earlier told the jury that the teenager who asked the witness about Devall was not there during the attack.

However, Devall's ex-girlfriend told Hove Crown Court that she recognised the youth at the scene. She had screamed at him that he and Devall would pay for what they had done, Hove Crown Court heard.

The youth said he left when Miss Heaseman began shouting at him and went to look for Devall to find out what she was talking about.

Prosecuting barrister Paul Lewis, QC, alleged that all six teenagers were present when the attack took place.

He said: "It is not necessary for the Crown to prove who struck the blows which ultimately killed Gary Rae. Each defendant may have played a different part, but if they are in it together then each is as guilty as the next."

The trial continues.