Two boys aged 15 and 16 killed in stabbing attack in Bristol
A murder investigation has been launched after two teenage boys were killed in a stabbing attack in Bristol.
The boys, aged 15 and 16, were fatally stabbed in Ilminster Avenue in Knowle West, south Bristol, at about 11.20pm on Saturday, Avon and Somerset police said.
The force described the attack, by a group who fled the scene in a car, as “shocking and tragic”. It also confirmed a murder investigation had been launched. A 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested and are in custody and vehicle has been seized.
Formal identification of the victims and a postmortem are due to be carried out. Liaison officers would be assigned to support the families and update them on the investigation, police said.
Police arrived at the scene within minutes and provided first aid. The victims sustained stab wounds and were taken by ambulance to two hospitals, Southmead hospital and Bristol Royal hospital for children, , where they died early on Sunday morning.
In a statement, the Bristol area commander, Supt Mark Runacres, said: “This is an incredibly shocking and tragic incident where two young boys, who had their whole lives ahead of them, have sadly died.”
He appealed for witnesses, particularly those who were travelling on a bus on Ilminster Avenue at the time of the stabbings. A mobile police station is to be set up near the scene to take witness statements and gather CCTV and doorbell footage.
A police cordon was in place around the scene. Runacres warned residents to expect to see a large police presence in the area as the investigation, including house to house inquiries, continued.
Runacres said: “There are a significant number of properties within the cordon and we would like to apologise for the disruption caused, but we hope people understand the importance of the work being carried out.
He added: “We encourage anyone with any concerns or questions to speak to any of the officers. High-visibility patrols will also be carried out to provide reassurance to the community.”
Runacres urged the public not to speculate or share images linked to the killings online. He said: “It is extremely important there should be no commentary or sharing of information or images online which could in any way prejudice and any future proceedings. It can be an offence to identify anyone who witnessed all or part of the incident as well as those who have been arrested.
“I’d also like to remind people of the impact the sharing of images, footage or even discussing the incident online may have on the families of the two boys. They are already going through the most difficult of times and you may cause them further upset.”