A MURDER inquiry detective has issued an appeal over carrying knives after a teenager was “savagely murdered”.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme leads the Sussex Major Crime Team that investigated the death of Ollie Wells in Elphick Road, Newhaven.

He said the tragic death of the 18-year-old has had a terrible impact on both families, and said he is “desperate” not to see more lives cut short by knife crime.

Trent Hutchinson, 17, was found guilty of murder at Hove Crown Court on Thursday, and was jailed for life on Friday. He will serve a minimum of 14 years before he can even be considered for parole.

The Argus:

Trent Hutchinson was found guilty of the murder of Ollie Wells in Newhaven

The court heard how Hutchinson had “plunged” a knife into Ollie on January 6, stabbing his best friend in the back and in the head.

“Severe” force was used in the attack, experts said.

Sarah Jones QC, prosecuting, also revealed background information into Hutchinson, which revealed he had an interest in knives.

Read more on this story:

A neighbour had seen him with a 25cm jagged-blade machete months before the murder.

Now DCI Wolstenholme said: “Both as a police officer, and a resident of Sussex I am desperate not to see any more young lives cut short as a result of knife violence in our county. The impact of knives is huge and often not fully understood by those carrying them.

“This tragic moment has had a terrible impact on two families which will live with them forever.

The Argus:

DCI Andy Wolstenholme

“One young man lost his life, cruelly and savagely murdered by another young man who he believed to be his best friend. The families of both teenagers will undoubtedly feel that loss forever.”

He said we may never know why Hutchinson acted in such a deliberate and violent way to attack Ollie.

But he said we must all work together to avoid future tragedies and “senseless” losses. To report concerns over knives visit www.fearless.org/en/give-info.