THE VICTIM of Crawley stabbing has been formally identified as 24-year-old Arnold Potter from Maidenbower.

A 17-year-old, who handed himself into police on Friday, has now been charged with his murder.

Post mortem results returned on Saturday, 17 November, confirmed he died from being stabbed to the torso.

The incident occurred in nearby Watson Close about 6.53pm on Thursday, 15 November, and despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services who attempted CPR, Arnold was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A 17-year-old boy from Crawley presented himself to Crawley Police Station on Friday afternoon, (November 16) and was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The Crown Prosecution Service has since authorised charges of murder, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, a knife, and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, cocaine.

The defendant has been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 November.

He cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Three people arrested in connection with the incident have been released but remain under investigation pending further enquiries.

They are a 20-year-old man from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession of cannabis, a 17-year-old boy from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 24-year-old man from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Four further people arrested have since been released without charge and will face no further action.

They are a 47-year-old man from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, a 44-year-old woman from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, a 17-year-old boy from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 17-year-old boy from Crowborough, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Richardson said: “This was a tragic incident which has had a devastating effect on the community and, in particular, on the friends and family of the victim.

“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“We have carried out numerous house-to-house enquiries in the area and we are grateful for the cooperation we have received so far.

“However, we are still appealing to anyone who saw what happened, who may have CCTV or other footage, or who knows anything about this tragic incident, to contact us.

“There will continue to be a police presence in the area as enquiries continue, and we would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach and speak to our officers.

You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Horseman or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.