A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has denied murdering a “much-loved” teenager.

Oliver Wells, 18, known as Ollie, died in Newhaven on January 6.

The 16-year-old boy appeared at Lewes Crown Court yesterday where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody and will face trial on June 22.

News of his death shocked the community as police launched a murder inquiry.

Officers were called to the junction of Elphick Road and Ship Street at 11.30pm after reports of a stabbing, right.

The area was cordoned off as forensics experts moved in, while police went door to door.

Despite efforts to save him, Oliver Wells died at the scene.

In a tribute released after his death, his family said: “Ollie was a much-loved member of our family.

“He had had autism and faced many challenges which left him vulnerable and he was often misunderstood by others. Due to his autism, Ollie had substantial needs which meant that over the last couple of years we were not able to care for him within the family home, however he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by us all.”