College pupils attacked a fellow teenager with metal poles and a knife in a savage late-night attack.

Three of the four teenage attackers are known to attend a local college, which is currently on its half-term break.

Sussex Police officers were called at 1.50am on Tuesday to Junction Road in Burgess Hill to a report of a fight involving a group of teenagers.


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Four Burgess Hill teenagers, including two 15-year-olds, a 17-year-old and an 18- year-old, were all arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.

The quartet were questioned before being released on bail until April 12 while officers carry out further inquiries.

An 18-year-old man from Burgess Hill was treated by paramedics for cuts to his hands and swelling around his eye.

A number of weapons were seized at the scene including a small knife and a metal pole.

Burgess Hill Town councillor David Andrews, who lives just half a mile from the crime scene, said: “My initial reaction is that it is absolutely appalling that it should happen.

“It is not a regular occurrence as far as I am concerned, certainly a one-off.

“You get the occasional fracas down by the station but nothing like this.”

Robert Bushby, minister of the nearby All Saints United Reformed Church, said: “I am shocked really that this would happen here.

“We certainly don’t usually have gangs of school children running around Burgess Hill fighting each other. I am surprised.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 71 of 18/2, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.