THREE children were arrested after a 12-year-old boy was knocked unconscious during an attack in an old supermarket car park.

The victim was left with injuries to his face after he was set upon in Littlehampton on his way to school last Monday.

A 13-year-old boy has been released under investigation while police carry out further enquiries. Two further boys, aged 12 and 13, have been released without further action.

It was reported to police that the 12-year-old victim had been walking to school for his first day back after the lockdown restrictions were eased when he and another 12-year-old were approached by three youths in the old Waitrose car park in Duke Street.

The group demanded cash from him before punching him in the face and knocking him out.

The victim went to hospital for treatment to his injuries before being discharged later that day.

Sussex Police made the three arrests in connection with the incident following a public appeal for information last week.

PC Daniella Gardner of Worthing Response team said: “We would like to thank the people who came forward in response to our witness appeal and helped with this investigation, as well as those who shared the appeal.”