Police release new image in hunt for killer
ABLURRY image has captured the frantic final moments before a man was fatally stabbed in Bristol last month.
Avon and Somerset Police has shared a photo of somebody carrying the knife they believe was used to stab 29-year-old Andre Gayle, in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.
The force launched a murder investigation after he was stabbed outside Easton Community Centre, and 13 people - aged between 16 and 40 - have been arrested so far.
No one has been charged, however, and police have shared a new appeal to try to get justice for the victim and his loved ones.
This image appears to show someone clutching a large knife and running along a street as others stand watching, with at least one person (who was holding the camera) taking pictures or video.
The weapon is yet to be recovered by police and could be crucial to the murder investigation.
Police believe Andre, from Bristol, “ran for his life” as he was chased down by his attackers at about 3.15am. In fresh details publicised yesterday officers say they now believe he was involved in an “altercation with several people” about 25 minutes before the stabbing.
Detective Superintendent James Riccio, who leads the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We’ve now established that at around 2.50am on Bank Holiday Monday, Andre was involved in an altercation in the car park by the Easton Jamia
Mosque in St Marks Road.
“This was 25 minutes before he was chased by a number of people close to Easton Community Centre resulting in him being stabbed several times. He died from these injuries in hospital two days later.
“A still image we’re releasing today shows a person chasing Andre holding a large knife, which we believe was the one used in the attack on him.
“We’ve not been able to recover this weapon yet. Do you know where it is?”
The detective said his team knows there were other people in the area who would have seen one or both incidents.
There was a gathering of about 100 people in Owen Square Park that night, close to where the attack happened.
Appealing to anyone who has not yet come forward, Det Supt Riccio said: “I want them to know that we’re only interested in bringing those responsible for Andre’s murder to justice so they’re unable to inflict harm on anyone else.
“Please come forward and speak to us, or if you have photos or footage on your mobile phone which could help us piece together exactly what happened that night, please send it to us via the Major Incident Public Portal.”
He revealed that police have collected more than 1,000 pieces of potential evidence so far.
The detective continued: “This remains a significant investigation in which we’ve so far collected 1,052 exhibits, compiled 199 reports, taken 85 statements and carried out 13 interviews.
“Andre’s family have been devastated by his death at the age of just 29. Our specialist family liaison officer is keeping them updated on the progress of this investigation and we hope those with information will think of the torment they are going through and do the right thing.”
Anyone with information can call the Major Crime Investigation Team on 101, quoting reference number 5220197024, or you can supply information through the portal linked to above.