A teenager has been charged with murder following a brutal knife attack that left a father dead and two others seriously injured in a family home in Brighton.
Sussex Police were called to a house on Hartfield Avenue, Hollingbury, shortly after 7:30am on Tuesday, where 57-year-old Deliveroo driver Emad Botros-Farag was found dead at the scene with a significant head injury. His wife, Maria Marvin, 57, and 11-year-old son Mario were also seriously injured during the incident.
The couple’s 19-year-old relative, Fabio Botros, was arrested nearby and has since been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He remains in custody and is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.
Neighbours described harrowing scenes on the usually quiet street, including hearing chilling screams from a child pleading, “No, no! Stop. Help! Help!” Local residents said they witnessed the family’s daughter desperately banging on an upstairs window, screaming for someone to call the police.
One resident, Martin, told reporters he immediately phoned emergency services after hearing the chaos. He added that Maria collapsed on the front lawn, bleeding heavily from her injuries. “They’re a very nice family,” he said. “It’s just so tragic and shocking. I can’t believe someone lost their life in that house.”
The family, originally from Egypt, had lived in the Brighton neighbourhood for two years. Emad, who worked as a food delivery driver, was remembered by neighbours as friendly and polite. “He smiled a lot,” Martin recalled.
Police have confirmed that the suspect was known to the victims and that no other individuals are being sought in connection with the attack. Forensics teams remain at the scene as investigations continue.
Sussex Police said: “This was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the public. Our thoughts are with the family and those affected at this incredibly difficult time.”
The community remains in shock as residents come to terms with the tragedy on their doorstep. Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
