An urgent manhunt is underway after a teenager was stabbed on the seafront in front of horrified bystanders.

Sussex Police officers were alerted to Worthing's Marine Parade at about 1:17pm this afternoon following reports of three teenagers, one of whom had a knife, chasing another teen. An 18-year-old man was tended to by bystanders before he was taken to a hospital with a hand injury.

Three suspects, described as white and wearing black hoodies, ran off in a westerly direction along Marine Parade. Officers responded to the scene, and the public was told it could expect to see a heightened police presence in the area this evening.

Enquiries continue.

Neil Walker, of Worthing CID, said: “We’re in the very early stages of our investigation and are urging anyone with any information to please come forward.

“Did you witness the incident or any suspicious activity in the area around that time? Contact us via 101 or report it online, quoting serial 615 of 01/10.

“Alternatively, you can approach one of our officers in confidence, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”