THREE teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The boys, aged 17, 15 and 14, were arrested in connection with running over a 19-year-old man in Patcham on Saturday night.

The 17-year-old was released under investigation for the attempted murder, but has been charged with the theft of a vehicle from Rottingdean, while the other two remain in custody awaiting questioning.

The victim is now in a serious but stable condition at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton after being hit by a black pickup truck outside the Ladies Mile pub.

A black pick-up truck matching the description of the vehicle involved in the incident was found burnt out at Stanmer Park on Sunday afternoon and recovered by police.

Detective Inspector Ian Still, of Sussex Police, said: “We have arrested three teenagers in connection with this incident, which we believe was a deliberate act. One has already been questioned and released under investigation, and the other two are currently in custody and will be interviewed in due course.

“We’re really keen to speak anyone who may have seen a black Ford Ranger, which was dirty in appearance, driving in or around the area over the weekend.

“Enquiries are still ongoing and we would urge any witnesses, or anyone with any information, to report it online quoting Operation Morston.”