Teenager charged with murder following Hailsham stabbing

The 17-year-old is due before magistrates on Monday (September 2nd)

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 2nd Sep 2024

A teenage boy has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a man in Hailsham town centre.

20-year-old Billy Ripley was found with serious injuries in Vicarage Field at around 6.20pm on Thursday (August 29th) and died at the scene.

His family has been told and is being supported by specially-trained police officers.

The 17-year-old boy, who is from Hellingly and cannot be named for legal reasons, has also been charged with possession of a bladed article in public.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court on Monday (September 2nd).

A 20-year-old man from Hailsham, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on Sunday, remained in custody as of Sunday night.

A 21-year-old woman from Hailsham has been conditionally bailed until November 30th after being arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Friday.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, Senior Investigating Officer at Sussex Police, said:

"This has been a hugely distressing incident, not least for the family and friends of Billy Ripley, but also the wider community.

"I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while our officers have conducted enquiries in the local area.

"Our officers will remain on patrol for reassurance, and in the meantime I would still urge anyone who can assist us in our investigation to please come forward and contact us."

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