Two teenagers have been charged with wounding with intent after a boy was stabbed outside a McDonald’s.

The boys, aged 15 and 16, have also been charged with affray and possession of a knife or bladed article in public following the incident in Worthing town centre on Monday, February 13.

The teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court today and have now been remanded in custody before their next court appearance.

Sussex Police Superintendent Nick Dias said “We have charged two suspects in connection with this incident, but we continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

“Sussex Police continues to respond to people’s concerns about antisocial behaviour from a small group of young people in and around the Worthing area.

“We are working closely with our partners, including Worthing District Council and key partners in Children’s Services to address these issues and keep our communities safe.”

The boys were charged following arrests made on Tuesday, February 14.

The 16-year-old who was stabbed remains in hospital in a serious condition after sustaining “life-threatening” injuries.

A previous order allowing police to stop and search people for weapons in Worthing town centre is no longer in place but a dispersal order is now active for the area.

Police made a total of five arrests in connection to the incident, which happened at around 5.30pm outside McDonald’s in Liverpool Road.

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Sussex Police said that a 13-year-old boy arrested on February 15 on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in public has been bailed, pending further investigation.

A 13-year-old boy arrested on February 13 on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm has been bailed, pending further enquiries.

A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of the same offence on February 13 has been released without charge.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident are asked to report it to Sussex Police online and quote Operation Central.