Boy of 11 stabbed to death

Conor Johnson was taken from the family home in Norfolk Road, Littlehampton, to Worthing Hospital shortly after 10pm on Saturday, where surgeons battled through the night to save the little boy.

His father Ian Johnson, 39, a police constable based at Centenary House, Durrington, was questioned by officers leading the murder investigation.

He was released on bail until September 11, for further investigations to be carried out. Police say they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the tragedy.

Jill Pedersen, Sussex Police spokeswoman, said: "Paramedics responded to a call at an address in Littlehampton at 10pm on Saturday.

A boy received a stab injury and died overnight as a result of the injury. A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was released on police bail until September 11.

"Circumstances leading to the incident are being investigated. A Home Office post mortem has taken place but no cause of death was confirmed.

"I can confirm it is a father and son situation and police are not looking for anyone else. The family are not giving any media pictures or statements."

Shocked police are still trying to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the tragedy and one theory is the fatal stabbing happened during a martial arts session between the boy and his father.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, leading the investigation, said: "We are investigating the cause of death of a boy and the full circumstances to ascertain whether this was a crime or otherwise."

The popular youngster's death has stunned the community in Littlehampton where he grew up.

Bill Molloy, head teacher at Georgian Gardens Primary School in Rustington, where Conor spent seven years before he left in July, said grieving teachers were devastated by the news.

"We are all deeply shocked and devastated by the tragic death of Conor, who was a much-loved pupil at our school. He will be remembered as a great friend to many and as a delightful, well-mannered, and hard-working boy. Our prayers and sincere and deepest condolences go out to his family.

"Conor was a delightful boy. He was well liked and loved by everyone. We are deeply, deeply shocked by his tragic death.

"He was one of those boys who just enjoyed the hubbub of school life, not one who stood out in one particular area. He just enjoyed all aspects of school life.

Mr Molloy, head teacher for nearly three years, said staff, parents and children may set up a memorial to little Conor, who was due to start at Littlehampton Community School in September.

"He was a much-loved member of the school. Everybody who we have spoken to is just devastated. He was a lovely, lovely boy.

"I know that when the school community comes back after the summer they will be devastated about it.

"I was advised not to contact the family but I will be writing to them on behalf of the school. I don't want to intrude on their grief at this time."