City in shock after third boy stabbed
Murder hunt for masked pair as residents demand action
POLICE are hunting two suspects after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Bristol, the city’s third knife fatality in just three weeks.
Officers were called at 6pm on Wednesday to a report that a boy had been found badly injured.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services he died at the scene near Rawnsley Park.
The victim, who has not been named, was attacked by two people wearing masks who left the scene on bicycles.
After being stabbed, the victim flagged down a motorist who tried to help him before he collapsed. A critical incident has been declared.
The murder follows the deaths of teenagers Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15. They were attacked and murdered by a number of people in Knowle West on Saturday, January 27, leaving the city reeling.
Fans of Bristol City paid tribute to the pair at Ashton Gate stadium, applauding for three minutes at the fixture on February 2.
Several people have been charged over Mason and Max’s murders.
Speaking of the latest death, 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.”
Locals described their horror at the latest stabbing. Arif Khan, a businessman and community leader, said residents are “totally appalled” by what had happened. “We went round knocking on doors. Believe me, a lot of families are in tears, their children are frightened. It will take some time before they start coming out again.”
He added: “Wherever you go in Bristol people are hesitant and scared. They don’t know what’s round the corner.
“We’ve got to take the appropriate measures and start making people safe by working together.”
Dan Norris, the mayor for the West of England, has called for a new approach to tackling a “growing trend”.
He said: “People are rightly concerned about what appears to be a growing trend of knife violence.
“This can’t go on. We must learn the lessons of this and other tragic incidents across our region.
“A new approach to knife crime – including its complex causes – is desperately needed.”
The Daily Mirror has been campaigning for a crackdown on knife crime, with a six-point action plan.
This can’t go on.. a new approach to knife crime is desperately needed
DAN NORRIS WEST OF ENGLAND MAYOR