A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and theft from a shop after a teenager was run over by a truck.

The victim - a 19-year-old Patcham man - was seriously injured after being hit by a truck opposite the Ladies Mile pub in Warmdene Avenue, Patcham, at about 8.47pm on Saturday, October 7.

The arrested boy from Bromley, London, has been released on bail until November 10.

A vehicle described as a black Ford Ranger pick-up truck, with a double cab and an open back, is reported to have run over the pedestrian before turning around and going over him again as his body lay on the floor.

It then made off from the scene east on Mackie Avenue.

The victim had been walking home with friends when the incident occurred.

He was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he remains in a serious but stable condition. No one else was injured.

A black pick-up truck matching the description of the vehicle involved in the incident was found burnt out at Stanmer Park on Sunday, October 8 and recovered by police.

It had been reported stolen from Rottingdean on Friday, October 6.

Four other youths have also been arrested in connection with the incident.

A 17-year-old boy from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, theft of a vehicle and theft from a vehicle.

He was released without charge for theft from a vehicle, and charged with theft of a vehicle to appear at Worthing Youth Court on November 9.

He remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder, having been recalled on breach of licence conditions.

A 14-year-old boy from Brighton, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released under investigation.

A 15-year-old boy from Brighton, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on bail until November 6.

Another 15-year-old boy from Brighton, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, theft of a vehicle and theft from a vehicle, has been released on bail until November 7.

Detective Inspector Simon Morgan said: “We have set up a dedicated email address for all correspondence related to this investigation.

"Enquiries are ongoing as we continue to establish the full circumstances, and anyone with any information is asked to report it to us at operationmorston@sussex.pnn.police.uk.

“In particular, we’d like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a black Ford Ranger, which was dirty in appearance, being driven in the area between the time it was reported stolen on Friday, October 6 and the time it was discovered burnt out on Sunday, October 8.

"It is critical that we gather as much evidence as possible as this investigation progresses.

“You can also report it online or call 101 quoting Operation Morston.”