Shock in Seaford after boy stabbed to death at railway station

The mayor of a seaside town in East Sussex has expressed her shock and sadness after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death at the local railway station.

The boy was found by police with stab wounds at Seaford station after 17:00 BST on Wednesday, and died at the scene.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody.

British Transport Police confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the two boys were known to each other.

Supt Dominique Ioannou said: “We understand this news is incredibly distressing for the local community.

“Please be assured we have launched a full investigation to establish exactly what happened.

“This is being treated as an isolated incident and we are not seeking anyone else.”

Maggie Wearmouth, Mayor of Seaford, said she was “shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of a young life”.

She added: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim.

“Our thanks go to all those in the emergency services who were involved.”

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, said: “My thoughts are with the family of the young man whose life has been cut so short.”

Sussex Police has said officers will be out in the community speaking to members of the public.

The force is urging anyone with information to contact them.

St Leonard’s Church in the town is remaining open until 18:00 BST for “anyone who wants to pray or light a candle in memory,” a statement read.

Services from Seaford station resumed at 16:15 on Thursday.

Louis Rambaud, chief customer officer at Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Southern services, said: “We’re terribly saddened by this tragedy and the hearts of everyone I work with here go out to this boy’s family and friends.”