More children in West Sussex are being offered a place at their first preference of secondary school than last year, with the total number of applicants slightly higher.

This year 8,161 of the 9,444 applicants will be given their first preference school for September, an increase from last year’s 8,110.

West Sussex County Council has worked with schools to ensure that every child who applied has been offered a secondary school place.

The County Council admissions officers are on hand to speak to parents, carers and pupils should they want to discuss their offer.

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Gatwick Airport has launched its second round of call-outs for deserving local causes in Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

The Gatwick Foundation Fund has earmarked £100,000 to spend across the three counties and is asking local groups which could do with extra support during the cost-of-living crisis to apply.

Each year, there are three rounds of grants, with £300,000 split equally between Kent, Sussex and Surrey

The deadline to apply for the Foundation Fund in Kent is 31 May and in Sussex is by 5pm on Friday 5th May, Surrey applicants must express an interest by 9am on 13 March.

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Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses a week on from a fatal stabbing in Crawley.

An 18-year-old local man tragically died following the incident in Malthouse Road, close to Crawley railway station, on the afternoon of Monday 20 February.

Five teenagers have been arrested in connection with the incident – their details are below – and released on bail with strict conditions as the investigation continues.

Chief Inspector Ben Starns, of Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this isolated incident, we need to ensure we gather as much evidence and intelligence as possible to seek justice for the victim and his family.

“Were you in the area around that time and did you witness any suspicious activity? Did you capture anything on mobile, CCTV or dash cam? Or have you seen or overheard any conversations which you think may be relevant to our investigation? We want to hear from you.

“Tackling knife crime remains a top priority for Sussex Police. This case has proved, as if we needed reminding, that knives destroy lives.
Statistically, you are far more likely to cause harm or be harmed by carrying a knife.

“It’s essential that we continue to work closely with our partners, young people and their families on awareness and education to deal robustly with offenders, and to prevent these tragic incidents from occurring in the first place.”

Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Gateford.

If you are under 18, you feel threatened, unsafe or scared about becoming a victim of knife crime, you should try to talk with your parent or carer, or alternatively talk to Childline for help on 0800 1111 or go online at childline.org.uk

If you are a parent or carer and you are concerned someone you care for is in danger of becoming a victim of knife crime, try to talk with them in the first instance or seek advice from Family Lives on 0808 800 22 22.

An 18-year-old man from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on conditional bail until 30 March.

A 17-year-old boy from Worthing, arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of a knife in public, has been released on conditional bail until 22 May.

An 18-year-old woman from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on conditional bail until 16 May.

An 18-year-old man from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on conditional bail until 16 May.

A 19-year-old woman from Crawley, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on conditional bail until 17 May.

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