A TEENAGER has been jailed after stabbing two others in a row over drugs.

Kia Zanre was one of three teenagers involved in a fight at The Level in Brighton on September 17.

The area was cordoned off after the knife attack, and witnesses reported helping one man with blood pouring from his neck.

Police say the 18-year-old from Eastern Avenue in Ilford had an 11-inch kitchen knife in public, and said two others who suffered stab wounds are lucky to be alive.

Now officers are warning other youngsters not to get involved in drug dealing, in a growing battle against London gangs.

At Lewes Crown Court Zanre admitted causing grievous bodily harm and carrying a knife in public, and was jailed for four years and eight months.

Police were called shortly after the fight at 11.45am, and nearby Park Crescent was also taped off.

Ryan Johnson, who had been using the skate-park near the bench where the incident occurred, said: "I think there was a fight and somebody pulled a knife out.

"There were police all around that bench, they were out with the forensic suits on.

"I wasn't too close but there was a guy on the floor at the end of it, there was a member of the public who went in and helped him after.

Another witness said he saw a knife involved, and said “one person got hurt quite badly”.

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Meanwhile Builder Christopher O’Connor saw the aftermath, with a man holding a blood-soaked jumper up to a neck wound.

O’Connor said: “I was coming out to get some materials and walking down Park Crescent when I saw some lad in standing there.

“He had a jumper over his neck and he was saying ‘I’ve been stabbed in the neck, I’ve been stabbed in the neck’.

“There was blood on his jumper he just kept saying ‘I’m getting weak, I’m getting weak’ and I was trying to talk him through.”

Detective Inspector Simon Morgan said: "The two who suffered stab wounds as a result of this altercation have been lucky as their injuries could have been a lot worse.

“Carrying a knife does not provide protection, but in fact makes you vulnerable, and as in this case, can place yourself and others in serious harm.

“Many people are still unaware of the consequences of carry a knife. Getting caught in possession of a knife in a public place could mean up to five years in prison and a greater sentence if you use it to inflict harm.”

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Children are being used as runners and dealers, travelling from London to Sussex in a process called “county lines”.

On the first day of the mobile station PC Richard Hall said: “It is about sending the message out to people that drug dealing and drug taking will not be tolerated in The Level where families and children should be able to come down and enjoy it.”

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After the incident an 18-year-old man from Pinner in London was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, intent to supply heroin and cannabis, possession of a knife, and robbery.

He has been rebailed until November 17.

A 16-year-old boy from Brighton was originally arrested on suspicion of affray and possession with intent to supply cannabis, but has been released without charge.