Ricky, from Roffey, Horsham, was attacked early on Saturday morning outside the party flat and died later in hospital.

Richard McGarvey Martin, who is unemployed and from Heath Way, Horsham, was charged with one count of murder and one count of causing actual bodily harm. He will appear before magistrates in Crawley on Monday morning.

Earlier, friends and neighbours paid tribute the youngster. One family friend described him as a young man who "lived for every day" and was devoted to his mother Sarah.

She was said to be distraught at her youngest son's death, telling one neighbour she had "no more tears to cry".

The "pimps and whores"-themed fancy dress party on Friday night was hosted by Ricky's brother Steven, neighbours said.

Detectives believe Ricky and another boy, aged 16, were attacked with a nunchuk, a weapon used in martial arts that consists of two sticks connected with a short chain or rope.

The second teenager needed stitches for head injuries but was later discharged from hospital.

Friends left flowers for the youngster on the pavement outside the flat in a quiet cul-de-sac on the outskirts of the affluent commuter town.

Ricky was described as a hip-hop and R'n'B-loving teenager who had just started year 11 at local comprehensive boys' school The Forest School.