Man accused of stabbing girl in store is remanded

A man alleged to have stabbed a young woman 17 times in a supermarket appeared in court today.

Samuel Reid-Wentworth, 21, was remanded in custody today after being charged with the attempted murder of 20-year-old Lucy Yates.

He is accused of the attack in the store in front of dozens of shoppers yesterday. The court heard he "has a history of being diagnosed as a schizophrenic".

Ms Yates is still fighting for her life after the attack in the Somerfield store in Littlehampton, West Sussex.

Reid-Wentworth, 21, spoke only to confirm his name and address as he appeared at Worthing magistrates' court. He will appear at Lewes crown court on 29 September and did not apply for bail during the hearing.

Relatives of Ms Yates shouted "burn in hell" when he stood up in the dock.

A mental health NHS trust confirmed that Reid-Wentworth had been under its care. A spokesman said: "Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was very shocked to hear of this terrible incident and our thoughts are with the young victim and her family.

"We can confirm that the person who has been arrested is known to our services. However, we are unable to comment any further because there is an active police investigation under way."