A 16-year-old has tragically died after he was stabbed in the St Philips area of Bristol yesterday (14 February) evening.
An update from Avon & Somerset Police states
‘ We were called by the ambulance service at 6pm to a report that a boy had been found injured on the A420 West Street. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
The victim was attacked in Rawnsley Park by two people wearing masks who then left the scene on bicycles. After being attacked, the victim has then run to Stapleton Road where a motorist has assisted him before he collapsed in West Street.
Detectives have now launched a murder investigation to identify those responsible and a critical incident has been declared.
While formal identification of the victim has not yet taken place, his family have been informed. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
Bristol Commander, Supt Mark Runacres, said: “Tragically, we have lost another young life from our city in utterly horrific circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at what will be an unimaginably difficult time and officers will continue to support them.
“We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and we will be working tirelessly to that end.
“While we are keeping an open mind, there is no clear evidence to suggest this is linked to other recent incidents in the city.”
The A420 was closed between West Street and the Lawrence Hill roundabout to allow crime scene investigators to examine the scene but has since reopened overnight. A cordon remains in place in Rawnsley Park.
Officers continue to make enquiries this morning, including reviewing CCTV footage and there will be increased patrols in the area. If you have any concerns then please approach an officer.
These tragedies are a stark reminder of the horrific impact knife crime has on our communities.
One of our key priorities is to reduce knife crime and we are working year-round to tackle it.
If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224039827,