Boy, 17, charged with murder of man in Hailsham

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a man died from a stab injury in an East Sussex market town, police have said.

Officers were called to the Vicarage Field area of Hailsham at about 18:20 BST on Thursday to reports a man had suffered a serious chest injury.

Billy Ripley, 20, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Sussex Police said on Sunday night that a boy of 17, from Hellingly, near Hailsham, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with his murder.

He has also been charged with possession of a bladed article in public.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, a force spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man from Hailsham has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. He remains in police custody.

And a 21-year-old woman from Hailsham held on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on conditional bail until 30 November.

Det Ch Insp 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.

“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."

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