I will keep you updated as and when things change. I am planning a street meeting in the area of the incident this weekend. Full details will be published soon.
A post mortem has revealed that Darren Croxton, 25, from Hailsham died as a result of stab wounds inflicted by a knife during what police believe to be a pre-planned fight in woods near Bramble Drive, Hailsham on Sunday 22 January.
The exact type of knife used in the attack is not known but it is believed the blade is at least 4" long.
Mr Croxton was found collapsed in Bramble Drive at around 4.30pm. He was taken to the Roya lSussex County Hospital but sadly his life could not be saved and he was pronounced dead on Monday (23 January).
Five teenage boys arrested on suspicion of attempted murder were initially bailed however, this has now been cancelled and they are no longer part of the police investigation. The boys include a 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old.
Three men aged 20, 23 and 27 have also been released from custody with no further action and are now being treated as witnesses.
Two 16-year-old boys arrested yesterday (23 January) on suspicion of murder, remain in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: "This is a fast-paced investigation and we are deploying a large amount of resources to bring whoever is responsible for this awful crime to justice.
"Local officers and detectives are continuing with house to house inquires, viewing CCTV, along with local high visibility patrols and specialized search dogs will also be deployed today (24 January) to help find the murder weapon and any other evidence.
"I would like to appeal once again to members of the public who have information however insignificant they think it is, to contact my team of officers in confidence. Please call 101 quoting Op Consul or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Wealden District Commander, Chief Inspector Dick Coates said: "I have every faith that the people of Hailsham, who are a very close-knit community will rally round and help us to get justice for the family of Mr Croxton.
"My officers are hear to help and listen to any concerns the community has. I have been speaking with local people, schools and businesses and will continue to do so over the coming days. A street meeting will be held in the area within the next week which I will attend and details of this will be circulated.
Police cordons and scene guards will remain in the area, and Sussex Police would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and support.
When I get more I will let you know.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 4:51 PM
A post mortem has revealed that Darren Croxton, 25, from Hailsham died as a result of stab wounds inflicted by a knife during what police believe to be a pre-planned fight in woods near Bramble Drive, Hailsham on Sunday 22 January.
The exact type of knife used in the attack is not known but it is believed the blade is at least 4" long.
Mr Croxton was found collapsed in Bramble Driveat around4.30pm. He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital but sadly his life could not be saved and he was pronounced dead on Monday (23 January) morning.
Five teenage boys arrested on suspicion of attempted murder were initially bailed however, this has now been cancelled and they are no longer part of the police investigation. The boys include a 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old.
Three men aged 20, 23 and 27 have also been released from custody with no further action and are now being treated as witnesses.
Two 16-year-old boys arrested yesterday (23 January) on suspicion of murder, remain in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: "This is a fast-paced investigation and we are deploying a large amount of resources to bring whoever is responsible for this awful crime to justice.
"Local officers and detectives are continuing with house to house inquires, viewing CCTV, along with local high visibility patrols and specialized search dogs will also be deployed today (24 January) to help find the murder weapon and any other evidence.
"I would like to appeal once again to members of the public who have information however insignificant they think it is, to contact my team of officers in confidence. Please call 101 quoting Op Consul or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Wealden District Commander, Chief Inspector Dick Coates said: "I have every faith that the people of Hailsham, who are a very close-knit community will rally round and help us to get justice for the family of Mr Croxton.
"My officers are hear to help and listen to any concerns the community has. I have been speaking with local people, schools and businesses and will continue to do so over the coming days. A street meeting will be held in the area within the next week which I will attend and details of this will be circulated.
Police cordons and scene guards will remain in the area, and Sussex Police would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and support.
The family of the deceased will not be issuing a photograph or family tribute and have once again asked that they are left alone to grieve in peace and come to terms with their loss.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:18 AM
At this time there remains two people in custody with regards to this tragic incident.
A number of the younger people arrested were released from bail yesterday and advised that no further action will be taken against them.
The investigation is very fast moving and I hope to give you more details later today or first thing tomorrow.
In the mean time my officers are continuing house to house enquires in the area. I have also put on extra patrols in the area both during the day and night. I am also just arranging a street meeting for anyone with concerns this Sunday which local officers and myself will attend. (Details will follow)
The press as ever are eager for information and I am keeping them informed as much as the investigation allows me. They will look for the headline that catches the eye. As a local community we have to be alive to that and be very aware if approached by the press to make comment. Throw away remarks can have a real impact and every effort to prevent this should be taken. This was an isolated incident between people that knew each other. We all need to remember that.
My thoughts remain with the family of Darren. If I can help further please contact me.
Dick Coates, Wealden District Commander.
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