A POWERFUL new ITV documentary airing Tuesday night (October 21, 9pm on ITV1), will shine a national spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime through the story of 17-year-old Charlie Cosser, who was fatally stabbed at a party in Sussex.
The programme, TikTok Murder Gone Viral, explores how Charlie’s father, Martin Cosser, turned to TikTok to share his grief and campaign for change following the tragedy that destroyed his family’s life.
His emotional posts have reached millions, helping to drive a growing national conversation about knife crime among young people.
In June 2024, teenager Yura Varybrus was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Charlie during a party in Warnham, West Sussex, in July 2023.
Charlie, from Milford in Surrey, was stabbed three times in the chest and died two days later in hospital. His family said at the time “Our lives have been destroyed by the tragic and unnecessary loss of our son.”
Since that day, Martin has devoted his life to keeping his son’s memory alive and warning others of the dangers of carrying knives. Through the charity Charlie’s Promise, he now travels the country speaking to schools, youth groups and community organisations.
He recently visited Hailsham Boxing Club, Hailsham Academy and Eastbourne Air Cadets — sharing his story and urging young people to report anyone carrying a knife anonymously via Crimestoppers’ Fearless campaign.
Martin told Hailsham News: “I really hope as many people as possible watch our documentary on ITV on Tuesday night. It gives a window into the world of a family devastated by one single moment in time. You’ll see the love we have for Charlie, what a great lad he was, and that knife crime isn’t just something that happens in cities or gangs, if it can happen to Charlie, it can happen to anyone.
“Through Charlie’s Promise, we’re turning the worst possible moment in our lives into something positive and giving Charlie the legacy he deserves. In our view, Charlie has saved lives and will continue to save lives.”
Martin made a promise to his son as he lay on his deathbed – to dedicate his life to spreading the message about the consequences of knife crime. He now speaks to thousands of children every week, determined to stop other families from going through the same pain.
TikTok Murder Gone Viral airs Tuesday 21st October at 9pm on ITV1.
