A 15-year-old boy appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court accused of a violent axe attack on a couple in Worthing. The teenager faces two counts of attempted murder following the alleged incident at a residence on Rowlands Road during the early hours of Monday morning.
The victims, a man and a woman in their 40s, were reportedly attacked as they slept. The man suffered severe head injuries and the traumatic loss of an arm, while the woman sustained less serious injuries, including lacerations to her cheek, ear, and leg. Emergency services responding to the scene described finding the man in a disoriented state, with his bedroom covered in blood. He remains hospitalised, receiving treatment for his injuries, while the woman has since been discharged.
The court heard that the attack was particularly brutal, with the man being struck repeatedly, leaving him with severe injuries to his head and face.
The accused, whose identity is protected by law due to his age, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address during the hearing. District Judge Amanda Kelly ordered the boy to remain in custody until his next appearance at crown court.
Sussex Police have confirmed that the teenager is known to the victims and emphasised that no other suspects are being sought in connection with the incident. Chief Inspector Kelly Lewis described the attack as traumatic, offering thoughts to the victims and their families.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to contact them, quoting Operation Bransford.
