Manhunt for face-painted man after stabbing sees three teen girls arrested

POLICE ARE APPEALING FOR HELP TO TRACE A 'DISTINCT' FACE-PAINTED MAN AFTER A 45-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS STABBED MULTIPLE TIMES IN BRIGHTON - WITH THREE 17-YEAR-OLD GIRLS ARRESTED AND DUE

TO APPEAR IN COURT 21:18, 20 May 2025Updated 21:26, 20 May 2025 Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a mystery face-painted man believed to be linked to a brutal stabbing in Brighton.

The attack took place in the early hours of April 26, when a 45-year-old man was knifed multiple times during an altercation at the junction of London Road and Rose Hill Terrace. The

suspects fled the scene, but three 17-year-old girls were later arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon. Their identities remain

protected due to their age. Now, Sussex Police are appealing for help to trace a man seen with a "distinctive" painted face. Police have released an image of the man wearing a

black cap, bow-tie, blue shirt, and waistcoat - with his face painted in striking white makeup. Described as “distinctive” and still on the run, police are urging anyone who spots him not to

approach, but to call authorities immediately. In a full statement released on Monday afternoon, Sussex Police urged members of the public to contact them. The force wrote: "Police are

appealing for the ID of this man after a stabbing in Brighton. Article continues below "On April 26 at around 2.15am, the victim, a 45-year-old man from Brighton, was at the junction

of London Road and Rose Hill Terrace when an altercation with a group was reported to have taken place. During the incident, the victim has sustained multiple knife wounds. "The

suspects fled the scene and later, three 17-year-old girls from Brighton were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in a public

place. All three were charged with the offences and appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on April 28. Their names cannot be released due to their age. Article continues below

"They have been bailed with conditions ahead of their next appearance at Brighton Magistrates' Court on May 27. Police continue to appeal for the ID of the man in the image

connection with further enquiries around the incident, and ask that if you recognise him, you contact police." Members of the public who feel they may have information that can help

officers in their investigation can contact Sussex Police online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 119 of 26/04.