Murder probe launched after two teenage boys stabbed to death in Bristol
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Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, have died after a stabbing attack in Bristol by a group of people who fled the scene in a car.
The two boys were attacked in Ilminster Avenue, in Knowle West, at about 11.20pm on Saturday, Avon and Somerset Police said.
A 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested and are in custody, and a murder investigation has been launched.
The force said there were further suspects being sought from the attack and it is not yet known whether the attackers and victims were known to each other.
A vehicle has also been seized.
Police arrived at the scene within minutes and provided first aid.
The victims sustained stab wounds and were taken to two hospitals – Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children – by ambulance, where they died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Neither boy has yet been identified and post-mortem examinations will be carried out in due course.
A vigil was held near the scene of the attack on Sunday, where people lit candles and placed flowers for the victims.
Bristol 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.
“Our collective thoughts are with their families at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time. Specialist family liaison officers will now be assigned to the families to provide them with support and keep them updated on the investigation.
“A cordon is in place on Ilminster Avenue between Newquay Road and Tavistock Road, and members of the public can expect to see a large police presence as forensic searches and other inquiries are conducted.
“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.”
Mr Runacres said house-to-house inquiries were under way and several witnesses had been identified.
He also confirmed CCTV and doorbell footage was being gathered and a mobile police station was being set up near the scene.
Anyone with information about the incident or with any relevant footage, has been asked to contact 101 and quote reference 5224023382.
