A teenager is believed to have cut off his penis after stabbing his mother in an apparent drug-fuelled attack.

Police were called to an address in The Oaks, Haywards Heath, on December 29 after a 999 call by Emma Mann reporting she had been stabbed by a man she knew.

Her son, university student Charlie Mann, 19, attacked his 46-year-old mother with a knife before reportedly cutting off his own penis.

A national newspaper reported the teenager was high on the Class A drug mepehdrone – otherwise known as meow meow - when the attack happened.

 

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Ms Mann was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) with life-threatening injuries, where she remained in a stable condition last night.

Mr Mann was also taken to RSCH and was transferred to University College Hospital in London for surgery on his self-inflicted and critical injuries.

Surgeons at the hospital are thought to have successfully re-attached his penis and he remains in a stable condition.

Sussex Police said officers initially arrested the 19-year-old on suspicion of assault, but he was later de-arrested.

Yesterday neighbours described the incident as “very sad” and said the attack was “out of the ordinary” for the area.

One resident of The Oaks, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was woken up by the commotion.

“There was about six police cars, three ambulances and a CCTV van at the top of the street.

“Since then there has been forensics people in and out of the house and a tent was set up outside the front.”

Detective Inspector David Springett of Sussex Police said: “At this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident but are keen to speak to anyone who might know anything about what happened.

“Officers are at the scene collecting evidence and speaking to residents about what they might know.

“If you saw or heard anything in the road on that Sunday morning or have any information about the people involved please call us.”Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 242 of 29/12, email 101@sussex.pnn. police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.