‘Senseless’ loss as 18-year-old is killed in late night stabbing
Floral tributes have been laid at the scene for the victim
A MURDER investigation is underway after an 18-year-old teenager died following a stabbing in Hinckley.
The fatal incident took place in the early hours of Monday October 7 with police called at around 12.55am to a report of a teenager who had been found injured in Sword Drive, near the A47/Stoke Road roundabout.
Leicestershire Police said in a statement: “Officers attended the location and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“A cordon was in place and a number of roads close to the scene were closed. They have since been reopened.
“A 17-year-old youth has been arrested on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody.”
The young victim has been named by police as Joshua Taylor.
He was a pupil at Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre and flowers and messages were left at the scene by pupils, staff and family members.
Principal Richard Cahill told The Hinckley Times: “It’s a tragic loss for the school and for the community. “Our thoughts are with the family. “It’s difficult to comprehend when you know someone’s hope and dreams, and they are taken like this.
“This kind of incident is just senseless.”
Messages left among the tributes included “You will be missed! from all at Hinckley Academy” and “RIP sweetheart. You will be missed”.
Tactical support officers remained on the scene after the cordon was lifted. Residents in the housing estate that Sword Drive leads into spoke of their shock at what had happened, with many saying it is usually a quiet area to live.
Swapnil Dubey, 35, has lived in Triumph Road, off Sword Drive, for six months.
He said: “It’s distressing to know something like this has happened
“I realised when I left for the office at 8.45am. I checked the roads and everything was closed.”
Sam Young and his fiancée Jessica Rowe live in Triumph Road and they were woken up early in the morning on Monday by their two-year-old screaming.
Jessica, 27, said: “Our daughter woke us up at 3.30am. We don’t know if it was the sirens that woke her.
“It’s really scary, you don’t know what the circumstances are of what’s happened. It’s terrifying really.”
Sam couldn’t get to work because of the road block.
Detective Inspector Jonathan Blockley, from East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “Our inquiries are at an early stage and we are starting to piece together the circumstances surrounding what happened and how this man sustained his injury.
“While we have already identified a number of witnesses, it’s still important we speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information as to why it took place.
“Please contact us with any information you have as it could be vital to our investigation.
“I would also like to thank local residents, who may have been affected by the road closures, for their patience and understanding during this time.”
If you have any information, call
101.