Tributes to ‘cheeky’ boy, 17, stabbed to death at end-of-term marquee party as teen, 16, charged with murder
TRIBUTES have been paid to a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at an end-of-term marquee party.
Charlie Cosser, also known as ‘Cheeks’, suffered multiple stab wounds during the horror in Warnham, West Sussex, on Sunday.
It is understood an end-of-term party with a marquee had been taking place at the time.
Charlie’s dad Martin, mum Tara, older brother Adam and younger sister Eloise have now paid tribute.
They said: “Our lives have been destroyed by the tragic and unnecessary loss of our son.
“Despite courageously battling right till the very end of his young and innocent life, his injuries were too severe and he tragically passed away on the evening of Tuesday 25 July.
“He was the most caring, cheeky, loving son and brother we could have ever wished for, and we cannot imagine a life without him.
“Charlie’s wider family are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden loss. His grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are struggling to come to terms with this tragic event.”
The heartbroken family thanked those who have brought “huge comfort in our darkest hours” by paying tribute.
They also praised emergency crews and medics who “did absolutely everything they could to save our precious boy, with the upmost compassion, empathy, sympathy and care.”
The family added: “His ridiculously silly sense of humour will be deeply missed by everyone that knew and loved him.”
Police have charged a 16-year-old boy with murder and possession of a bladed article.
The teen, who legally can’t be named, is due to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court today.
A 16-year-old girl charged with perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender is also due to appear in court today.
Police confirmed another 16-year-old boy, initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, is now being treated as a witness and will face no further action.
A 52-year-old woman, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This remains a complex and fast-moving investigation, and we continue to appeal for anyone with any information about this tragic incident to come forward.
“We know there were a number of young people in attendance at an event, and we are keen to speak to them.
“In the meantime, we urge the public not to speculate about the incident on social media as it may jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”
Anyone with information can call police on 01273 470101, quoting Operation Ketley.