Two teenage boys and an older man have been arrested after three people were stabbed during a late night brawl on a bus.

Two boys aged 13 and 14, along with a 24-year-old local man, have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, following the incident on a night bus full of students in the early hours of this morning.

Police and emergency services were called to the scene at the bottom of Church Street, outside the gate entrance to Pavilion Gardens at around 5.44am.

A 24-year-old man found lying on the pavement next to the bus with a stab wound to his wrist, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment.

Two teenage boys found running away from the scene were also arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. The 14-year-old remains in hospital for treatment to stab wounds to one of his legs.

Police have been searching in the Sevendials area of Brighton with a helicopter for another 14-year-old boy who also has a stab wound to his leg.

The area at the bottom of Church Street was cordoned off for several hours whilst forensic examinations were carried out.

Detective Inspector Lee Horner from Brighton and Hove CID said: "This was a shocking incident on a bus full of students on their way back to Brighton University after a night out in the city.

"Several arrests have been made and we are currently trying to establish the exact circumstances that led up to the fight on the bus. I would appeal to anyone who knows where the outstanding 14-year-old boy is to please get in touch as a matter of urgency as he needs medical treatment for his injuries.

"You can call 101 quoting serial 0285 of 8/12 or leave a message anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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