POLICE chiefs have won more funding to take on the scourge of knife crime in Sussex.

The Home Office grant follows in the wake of the conviction of 17-year-old Kai Gasson this week.

He was jailed for life for the murder of Arnold Potter in the Maidenbower area of Crawley in November.

Government funds are in place for forces to tackle serious and violent crime.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne says £1 million will be spent in the county.

The force is one of 18 in the country given the cash to target serious violence.

She said: “The chief constable assures me that Sussex Police is developing an operational plan that will mean the force will be ready to step up targeted actions across the county as a result of this immediate funding boost.

“This is great news for our residents and perfectly complements the work we have already started through our Early Intervention Youth Programme, Reboot.

“In the first two weeks it has already engaged with 15 young people to steer them away from crime and violence.”

Assistant Chief Constable Nick May, pictured above, said: “We welcome additional funding which has been secured through the Home Office.

“During the Operation Sceptre week of action for knife crime we were clear this wasn’t one week of action but continues to be part of everyday policing.

“The additional funding will allow us to build on this and make a real difference to communities across the county.

“We are carrying out patrols in hotspot areas, targeting repeat victims and offenders, using our stop and search powers, working with trading standards and with partners to prevent crimes and educate young people.

“Action on violent crime and knife crime cannot be tackled by police alone and we continue to work with other agencies to take positive action when knife crimes occur, focusing on engagement and prevention, especially with young people.”

The Government created a £100 million fund after a meeting of ministers, police and crime commissioners and chief constables this year, with £51 million available to forces immediately.