Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses a week on from a fatal stabbing in Crawley.

An 18-year-old local man tragically died following the incident in Malthouse Road, close to Crawley railway station, on the afternoon of Monday 20 February.

Five teenagers have been arrested in connection with the incident – their details are below – and released on bail with strict conditions as the investigation continues.

Chief Inspector Ben Starns, of Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this isolated incident, we need to ensure we gather as much evidence and intelligence as possible to seek justice for the victim and his family.

“Were you in the area around that time and did you witness any suspicious activity? Did you capture anything on mobile, CCTV or dash cam? Or have you seen or overheard any conversations which you think may be relevant to our investigation? We want to hear from you.

“Tackling knife crime remains a top priority for Sussex Police. This case has proved, as if we needed reminding, that knives destroy lives.
Statistically, you are far more likely to cause harm or be harmed by carrying a knife.

“It’s essential that we continue to work closely with our partners, young people and their families on awareness and education to deal robustly with offenders, and to prevent these tragic incidents from occurring in the first place.”

Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Gateford.

If you are under 18, you feel threatened, unsafe or scared about becoming a victim of knife crime, you should try to talk with your parent or carer, or alternatively talk to Childline for help on 0800 1111 or go online at childline.org.uk

If you are a parent or carer and you are concerned someone you care for is in danger of becoming a victim of knife crime, try to talk with them in the first instance or seek advice from Family Lives on 0808 800 22 22.

An 18-year-old man from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on conditional bail until 30 March.

A 17-year-old boy from Worthing, arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of a knife in public, has been released on conditional bail until 22 May.

An 18-year-old woman from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on conditional bail until 16 May.

An 18-year-old man from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on conditional bail until 16 May.

A 19-year-old woman from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on conditional bail until 17 May.

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Manor Royal is set for more improvements, including two new micro parks and initiatives aimed at transitioning to net carbon zero. It will add to previous upgrades and is backed by Crawley MP Henry Smith.

Writing on his website Henry Smith says:
‘As Crawley continues to bounce back from the effects of the global pandemic it is more important than ever that our businesses succeed and flourish.

Key to this prosperity is the Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID). Established in 2013, it provides more than 30,000 jobs: some 40 per cent of total employment in Crawley.

Its members voted to renew the BID for a five-year term in 2018, and I urge them to do so again as we approach the last day of voting on Wednesday 1st March.

Over the last decade, this close working between Crawley-based firms has not only resulted in an enhanced working environment for members, but we have seen considerable improvements to Manor Royal as well.

Indeed, the Manor Royal BID is an important part of the Crawley Growth Programme. This sees the BID working alongside Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council to secure aggregation and alignment of public and private funds to deliver infrastructure projects in Crawley.
Both local authorities are supporting renewal of the BID.

Such collaborative efforts have seen Manor Royal highways improvements with some £3.5 million secured to improve junctions, surfaces and other bus, pedestrian, cycling and road improvements.

Work has seen upgrading of Manor Royal’s busiest access point and installation of digital signs in Manor Royal.

It is striking to see the enthusiasm with which Manor Royal leadership seek to further the BID over the next five years. Integral to this is for companies continuing to see Manor Royal as an attractive location to not only stay in but to relocate to.

Four new ‘micro’ park areas are completed and maintained with a further two currently in development.

The BID is also working to deliver energy initiatives and forums to facilitate the transition to net zero carbon emissions throughout Manor Royal.

Some 25 security cameras have been installed and are maintained at entry points and strategic locations across Manor Royal, with plans to expand the camera network. A dedicated Business Ranger Team helps keep the area safe.

The BID has secured upgrades to more than 20 broadband cabinets to provide faster fibre-based broadband, with work underway to enhance provision to gigabit broadband speeds for all.

Last year it was confirmed that gigabit broadband is now available for 70% of homes and businesses across the UK thanks to the Government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit, as we move towards the target of 85 per cent coverage by 2025.

Manor Royal has a crucial role to play. Crawley is already the seventh most innovative place in the country, with some 55.8 patents published per 100,000 people.

As a Member of Parliament for Crawley I am delighted to back the BID!’

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