Police face IOPC probe over seafront stabbing

An investigation has been launched into the actions of Sussex Police officers prior to the fatal stabbing of a man.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was investigating the actions of the force in the months prior to the death of Metodi Petrov Ivanov in Bognor Regis.

The 20-year-old was reportedly attacked near the pier on The Esplanade in Bognor Regis on 4 April and died the following day, Sussex Police previously said.

The force confirmed it had made a mandatory referral to the IOPC.

The police watchdog said its investigation related to previous reports made to Sussex Police from May 2024 onwards.

"We have begun an independent investigation into the actions of Sussex Police officers prior to the tragic death of Mr Metodi Ivanov," an IOPC spokesperson said.

"We have notified Mr Ivanov's family of our investigation and will keep them updated as it progresses.

"Our investigation is in its early stages and given there are active criminal proceedings in relation to Mr Ivanov's death, we're not in a position to comment further at this stage about the prior police contact."

Andrii Uzhyk, 31, from Bognor Regis, was charged with murder on 8 April.

He was also charged with two counts of possession of a bladed article and two counts of criminal damage, and is due to appear in court later this month.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.