Man stabbed in garage attack

The victim, who worked at the Jet Garage at Jempsons, was attacked in a back office while motorists filled up on the forecourt.

The assailant entered the garage at around 3.45pm on Wednesday (April 15) and stabbed the 52-year-old victim four times before fleeing the scene. A small knife was later discovered on the garage forecourt.

The air ambulance was scrambled to the scene and the victim was flown to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for emergency treatment.

He has since been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.

Police found the suspect at a nearby address and arrested the 20-year-old on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

As the Observer went to press, the man remains in police custody for interview and further enquiries.

Detective Constable Ian Dearling, of Sussex Police, said: “We are appealing for witnesses and in particular for a woman and a man from a silver car that was at Pump 4 of the garage at the time of the incident.

“The woman approached staff and helped in administering first aid to the victim.

“The man was inside the silver car and may also have witnessed the incident.

“Although the exact motive for the assault is not yet clear, we can reassure residents that this is an isolated incident.

“This type of incident is very rare and a person suspected of being responsible is in police custody “

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via [email protected] by calling 101, quoting serial 1043 of 15/04.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.