THREE boys have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a teenager was twice run over by a pick-up truck.

Enkyed Islam, 19, known to friends as Enk, was last night still seriously injured in hospital after being mown down outside the Ladies Mile pub in Warmdene Avenue, Patcham, on Saturday evening.

A 17-year-old boy appeared in court yesterday accused of stealing the black Ford Ranger, from an address in Rottingdean, which was used in the attack. Two more boys - aged 14 and 15 - were last night still being interviewed by detectives having been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Sunday night and Monday morning.

Meanwhile Mr Islam’s friends continued to wish him well as he remained in a serious but stable condition in hospital, undergoing treatment for internal bleeding around his liver.

Friend Shae Barrett posted on social media: “Stay strong brother.”

Jade Karrouze said on Facebook: “Could anyone with any information please contact the police, honestly don’t know what would be going through someone’s head to try and take such a happy, cheeky young boy’s life. To see him laying there so helpless is heart breaking.”

Witnesses told how Mr Islam was run down by the truck before the driver turned the vehicle around and ran over him again as he lay on the floor.

Police are still appealing for witnesses who saw the black pick -up truck, which was found burnt out in Stanmer Park on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Ian Still said: “We have arrested three teenagers in connection with this incident, which we believe was a deliberate act.

“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 quoting Operation Morston.”

The 17-year-old has not been charged in relation to Enkyed’s injuries and Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday adjourned the case against him in relation to stealing the4x4.

District Judge Teresa Szagun ruled the court should wait until police and prosecutors have made a decision on whether he should face other charges including attempted murder before taking his plea on the theft charge.

The teen, who lives in Brighton, did however admit breaching a previous curfew imposed by Lewes Crown Court last November.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted not being home on time on at least eight nights and not being accounted for over at least 46 hours of his curfew - which was imposed after he was convicted of burglary, dangerous driving and taking a vehicle without consent.

He was told he would have to be returned to detention for breaching the curfew and brought back before the court next month when police are expected to have made a decision on whether he should face further charges.

The judge said: “The fact is you leave me no option other than to return you to detention.

“You will now serve two months detention and be returned to custody.

“I hope that when you are next produced before the courts a decision will have been resolved on whether the theft matter can be proceeded with or whether it should be tied up with any other charges.”