MURDER INQUIRY AFTER CITY STABBING
POLICE WERE CALLED TO INCIDENT JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man was found lying in the street with “multiple” stab wounds in Leicester’s Spinney Hills.
Emergency services were called to Melbourne Street, close to Highfields, shortly before midnight on Wednesday.
It followed a report of a serious assault.
Police attended and discovered an 18-year-old youth with critical injuries. He was taken to hospital but police confirmed he died in the early hours.
Much of the area, including Kent Street, which runs from Melbourne Street under the Midland Mainline railway bridge to Humberstone Road, was cordoned off yesterday.
The cordon included a paved square next to a public basketball court, where medical swabs, gauze and other paramedic equipment could be seen discarded.
Forensic experts were seen scouring the area for evidence.
People living in the area had reported that the victim, who has not yet been officially named, was a local man.
A police spokeswoman confirmed: “We were called to the area at 11.45pm following a report of a serious assault.
“Officers attended and an 18-yearold man was found with multiple stab wound injuries.
“East Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance and the man was taken to hospital. The man in hospital during the early hours of this morning (Thursday).”
Investigators are appealing to anyone who has any information that could help the murder inquiry to get in touch.
Detective Chief Inspector Joe Banfield said: “We have a dedicated team carrying out full inquiries including speaking to witnesses, analysing CCTV and carrying out forensic inquiries. A scene remains in place in the area while these inquiries are ongoing.”
He added: “We understand there were a number of people in the area around the time and are appealing to anyone who was in the area to make contact.
“Please think back – were you in the area of Melbourne Street, Maidstone Road, Garendon Street, Maydied nard Road or Kent Street late (on Wednesday) evening or during the early hours?”
Det Ch Insp Banfield sought to reassure residents following the horrific incident.
He said: “We understand that the incident will have caused concern in the area and our officers do remain in the area speaking to people and offering reassurance.”