FAMILY pay tribute to ‘caring and gentle’ murdered son from Bognor Regis

MANY times in the past I have written about the killings of young people by knives (and guns). Closer to home than ever, I'm doing it again, another tragedy so unnecessary :'(

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE CARRY A KNIFE? If you've got one in your pocket or know someone who does, think about it and work out how to not carry one - really. It can cause desperate sadness + difficulty, misery and pain for so many. Carrying and using a knife as a weapon does not make a better future for anyone.

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The family of Luke Jeffrey, who died after he was stabbed in Chichester on Friday (March 11), have issued a tribute and a photograph.

They said: “Luke was a kind, caring and gentle young man. 

“He was passionate about fitness and health and was studying at college to become a fitness instructor. 

“Luke also had a lifelong love of music. He had his whole life ahead of him.

“He was utterly devoted to his five-year-old sister and she has lost not only her big brother, but also her best friend.

Caption: Luke Jeffrey from Bognor Regis was stabbed in Chichester on Friday March 11.

“He leaves behind loving parents, grandparents, a great-grandmother and many close friends.

“Luke was just 18 years old when he was murdered in a brutal, senseless and cowardly attack.

“We cannot find the words to describe the loss and absolute grief that we are feeling.

“Please respect our need for privacy at this desperately difficult time.”

Chief Inspector Justin Burtenshaw said: “Our thoughts are with Luke’s family and friends at this sad time.

“We want to do all we can to reassure the local community and officers from the Chichester neighbourhood policing team will be available in the surrounding areas to speak to residents if they have any concerns.”

Luke, from Linden Road, Bognor Regis, was found with serious stab wounds in Alexandra Road, Chichester, just after 9pm on Friday evening.

Samuel Morgan, 19, unemployed, of Adelaide Road, Chichester, appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court today (Monday March 14) charged with Luke’s murder. 

Caption: Pic of Samuel Morgan escorted by prison officer (from BBC site taken by Eddie Mitchell)

He was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday (March 15).

ANOTHER fatal stabbing in my home town of Chichester

FAIRLY early on Friday evening an 18-year-old lad was stabbed in my home town, Chichester.

A terrible act. Many must feel sorrow and pain over this terrible crime, especially family and friends of the young man who was killed. One's heart can only go out to them, remembering the trauma of the city stabbing that started this blog about a decade ago at McDonald's in Chichester Gate.

Several people remarked this is not the type of thing that happens in Chi. Well, there has been knife crime here - and it's not about the place in fact, it's about the people who carry and use knives as weapons.

Knife crime and other violence is rising in this country, according to official statistics (more than c.27k per year at last count), many choosing to carry blades to injure and kill. 

Most people wish they didn't do so - it's a type of society and way of living we do not want