POLICE have charged two teenagers after a man in his 30s was stabbed in an “appalling attack” on a busy street.

Officers were called to George Street in Hastings Old Town around 6.10pm on Monday, May 3, after reports of a man that had been assaulted.

The man was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital by air ambulance.

The pictures at the time show officers investigating the scene under black gazebos, including a bike that could be seen lying on the street.

An investigation was launched and police arrested two teenage boys, charging them with affray and wounding with intent on Saturday, November 20.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been remanded by the courts into local authority care ahead of a court appearance on Tuesday, November 23.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also due to appear before the court on Tuesday, November 23.

Five teenagers were arrested a day after the stabbing and two were charged.

Inspector Aidan Cornwall of the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This was an appalling attack in which a vulnerable man was targeted by a group of young people in one of the busy streets of our Old Town.

The Argus: An officer inspecting a black bike at the scene in MayAn officer inspecting a black bike at the scene in May

"Through luck rather than anything else, his injuries were not more serious and a number of brave passers-by came to his aid to stop the attack.

"Five teenagers were arrested shortly after the assault and as a result of a detailed investigation by our detectives, we have now charged two of those.

"Knife crime is a blight on our community and we all have a role to play in preventing in. I would urge anyone who has information about those carrying weapons to contact us online or by calling 101, or to report to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency."

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