Teenager killed in St Leonards knife attack named

Connor Ansell, aged 16, from St Leonards, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton in a critical condition following the incident on Saturday, November 18.

On Friday afternoon (November 24), he sadly passed away.

Inspector Anita Turner, from the Hastings prevention team, said: “Chief Inspector Steve Curry, the district commander for Hastings, attended an assembly for year 10 and 11 pupils at St Leonards Academy, where Connor attended.

“He has spoken to them about remaining calm and allowing the investigation to progress to achieve justice for Connor.

“We have also stepped up patrols in the area of the incident and are asking for anyone who has concerns or information which could assist the investigation to come forward.”

Detective Inspector Gordon Denslow, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation into Connor’s death, said: “Our enquiries are continuing and we are supporting Connor’s family at this extremely difficult time.”

Jack Cunnion, 18, a scaffolder, of Essex Road, St Leonards, and a 16-year-old boy from St Leonards, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 20, charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They were both remanded in custody to appear at crown court on December 18.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact police online or ring 101 quoting Operation Charing or alternatively contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.