Police quiz two over murder of teenager

The teenager, named locally as Jacob Woudstra, died shortly after the attack at the Shah pub, in Hastings, East Sussex.

Paramedics fought to save his life after he was stabbed twice in the chest.

Sussex Police said the incident did not appear to be a random attack.

Emergency services were called to the scene near the pub in Mount Pleasant Road at around 3.20pm on Thursday and the street and surrounding areas were sealed off while inquiries were carried out.

Police appealed for anyone with information about the stabbing to come forward.

Superintendent Trevor Botting said: “This is a tragic incident and one that has shocked the local community.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, who understandably are devastated by the events of this afternoon.

“It is too early to speculate as to the circumstances of this tragedy, although early indications are that this was not a random attack. Our job now is to gather as much information as we can to build up a picture of what happened and to identify those responsible.

“We need the public’s help to do this and would urge anyone who thinks they have information but has not yet contacted police to do so as a matter of urgency.”

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those people that have helped the police so far with this investigation.”

A South East Coast Ambulance spokesman said the teenager was treated for two stab wounds to the chest. A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Paramedics fought to save the boy who had been stabbed in the chest, but sadly he died.”