Jacob Woudstra Murder: Two Arrested Over Death Of Boy, 17, In Sussex

Second Man Arrested Over Murder Of Teen

A second man has been arrested in relation to the murder of a 17-year-old who was found stabbed to death near a pub.

The 41-year-old, from Bexhill, is being held in police custody and is due to be interviewed over the death today.

A 31-year-old man from Rye, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, remains in police custody, Sussex Police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Raymer said: "Officers and staff have been working tirelessly to follow up and investigate every line of inquiry available to us, whilst supporting the victim's family who have, understandably, been left devastated by this tragedy.

"We currently have two people in custody who have both been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"However, inquiries into this incident remain active and we would like to hear from anyone who has information about what happened but has not yet come forward to contact us immediately.

"Our thoughts remain with the family of the victim whilst we do everything we can to ensure that his killers are caught and brought to justice."

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 yesterday 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.

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."

Superintendent Trevor Botting added: "We would like to reassure the residents of Hastings that this does not appear to be a random attack. However, we understand that a crime as horrific as murder - particularly when the victim is so young - can be deeply upsetting for the community.

"I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those people that have helped the police so far with this investigation. Without you, it would make our job so much harder to find those responsible and ultimately get the justice that the victim's family deserve."

Close

What's Hot