Friends of teenager Charlie Cosser, who died on Tuesday (July 25) after suffering multiple stab wounds near Warnham in West Sussex, have given a stark warning about the consequences of carrying knives.
As they launch a campaign supporting a charity trying to persuade young people not to keep bladed weapons on them, the 17 year old's friends said:
"I plead with you to think twice before carrying a knife, as the consequences will be devastating before you even realise what you have caused.
"You not only ruin the victim's life as well as their friends and family, but also yours.
"Charlie’s bright presence and aura has been cruelly robbed from us all as a result of this."
In a statement heading a crowdfunding campaign, Charlie's friends continued, in tribute:
"Charlie was always making us all laugh at any given moment, something that few people are able to do.
"He loved going out with his friends and was very keen on his football.
"We do not wish for Charlie’s death to be in vain, and we will all strive each and every day to make him proud.
"We will all cherish the fond memories we have of him forever.
"We all find comfort in knowing that he will watch over us from the highest spot in heaven."
Charlie's family earlier had said:
"Our lives have been destroyed by the tragic and unnecessary loss of our son.
"He was the most caring, cheeky, loving son and brother we could have ever wished for, and we cannot imagine a life without him.
"His ridiculously silly sense of humour will be deeply missed by everyone that knew and loved him.
"Tributes have been pouring in from Charlie’s wide circle of friends which we would like to acknowledge have brought us huge comfort in our darkest hours.
"We would also like to thank on our and Charlie’s behalf, all of the efforts of the emergency services who treated him on the scene, as well as the whole of the critical care team at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, who did absolutely everything they could to save our precious boy, with the upmost compassion, empathy, sympathy and care."
On Friday (July 28), a 16 year old boy was told he faces a life sentence, after admitting the murder of Charlie Cosser in Marches Lane near Warnham.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pled guilty at Lewes Crown Court and is due to be sentenced on September 11.
More information about the campaign can be found by following this link; the charity being supported has information here.
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