13-year-old boy stabbed in Eastbourne as police hunt group of young people

The attack happened around 5.10pm on Sunday in Grand Parade near the junctions with Elms Avenue and Cavendish Place.

The 13-year-old was airlifted to hospital after the shocking incident.

Officers are now working to locate the youths, with an increased police presence in the area.

"A group of young people were leaving the scene and work is ongoing to locate them," Sussex Police said in a statement.

Armed officers were in attendance at the scene, photos revealed.

Sussex Police added: "There will be an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are completed and to provide reassurance.

"Witnesses or anyone with information, such as CCTV, mobile phone, or dashcam footage is asked to come forward.

"Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or on 101, quoting serial 1096 of September 20."

The maximum sentence for a stabbing is life imprisonment, if determined to be committed with the intention of committing grievous body harm.

In Sussex, possession of weapon offences, including knife-related incidents, stand at a rate of 1.27 reports per 1,000 people.

That figure stands at roughly 1.5 times the national average.

Sussex Police logged 2,449 weapon possession reports over the 12 months leading up to April 2026.

Though despite the manhunt, Eastbourne ranks as the second-safest area in the historic county - only sitting behind Worthing.