Stab attack victim's 'strength'

Ms Yates is now expected to be moved to Worthing Hospital

The family of a 20-year-old woman critically injured in a knife attack at a West Sussex supermarket have talked about her "strength to survive".

Lucy Yates, of Littlehampton, is in a serious but stable condition in a hospital in Southampton after being knifed in Somerfield in Anchor Springs.

Her family said: "She loves life and this is shown in her strength to have survived this brutal attack."

Samuel Reid-Wentworth, 21, of Bognor, is charged with attempted murder.

Mr Reid-Wentworth, of Longford Road, was remanded in custody at Worthing Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

He is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 29 September.

'Sweet girl'

Ms Yates suffered multiple wounds during the incident on Tuesday in Littlehampton.

She was initially described as being in a critical condition and transferred to Southampton for specialist treatment following emergency surgery at Worthing Hospital.

The family statement continued: "Everyone who knows Lucy knows what a kind, gentle, caring and sweet girl she is.

"She is beautiful on the inside and out."

Ms Yates is expected to be moved back to Worthing Hospital.