Tributes have been paid to a 20-year-old man who died after being stabbed near the pier in Bognor Regis, as a suspect has now been charged with his murder.
Metodi Petrov Ivanov, who lived in the town, sustained fatal injuries during an incident on The Esplanade at around 9.40pm on Friday, April 4. Emergency services attended the scene and Ivanov was rushed to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he sadly died in the early hours of Saturday, April 5.
His devastated family described him as “a good, kind boy” who had “a bright future ahead of him”.
“He was good to everyone and liked by people of all nationalities,” they said in a statement. “He was particularly caring with all of his nieces, nephews and family. We cannot believe what has happened and Metodi will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
Following a swift investigation, Andrii Uzhyk, 31, was arrested at an address in Devonshire Road on Saturday, April 5. He has since been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service with murder, two counts of possession of a bladed article, and two counts of criminal damage.
Uzhyk remains in custody and is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 8.
Police Appeal and Investigation Ongoing Superintendent Imran Asghar of Sussex Police said:
“Our focus remains on establishing exactly how and why this tragic incident occurred. We are committed to seeking justice for Metodi’s family and friends. A suspect has been arrested, charged, and a knife has been seized as part of our enquiries.”
He added that a visible police presence would remain in the area as investigations continue, urging any witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward.
Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Rudgwick. Alternatively, the public can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via
