Police have launched a double homicide investigation after two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were stabbed to death “in front of horrified bus passengers”.
Officers and paramedics were called to Ilminster Avenue in Knowle West, Bristol, late last night.
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Two teenagers stabbed to death in horrific incidentCredit: BPM
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Bristol Commander Supt Mark Runacres speaks to the media at the scene in south BristolCredit: PA
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There was a heavy police presence in the area and the road was cordoned off Credit: PA
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A major police investigation is underway in the areaCredit: BPM
The teenagers were allegedly attacked by a group of people who fled the scene in a car.
The couple suffered stab wounds and were taken to hospital, but died in the early hours of the morning.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested – and remain in police custody.
Police said they are looking for more suspects after the double stabbing.
Leading the homicide investigation, Superintendent Mark Runacres, Bristol Avon and Somerset Police Commander, said he was left “demoralized” by the tragedy.
He added that the double-decker bus, which was still parked in Ilminster Avenue, stopped because the teenagers were stabbed on the side of the road.
Supt Runacres said officers wanted to speak to passengers who were on the bus at the time of the stabbings.
Several witnesses have already been identified, the commander said.
He said: “But I am here to assure the people who live in this community that my officers will leave, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to catch those responsible for this reprehensible attack.”
The victims suffered stab wounds and were taken by ambulance to two hospitals – Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where they died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Neither boy has yet been identified, and an autopsy will be performed in due course.
Bristol Commander Supt Mark Runacres told a news conference: “There are other suspects being sought among the group who we believe are responsible.”
The police confirmed that one vehicle was also confiscated.
This morning, forensics teams were still working to gather evidence, and the entire Ilminster Avenue, from Connaught Road to Newquay Road, was cordoned off and the area flooded with police and vehicles.
Asked if the stabbings were a case of mistaken identity, Supt Runacres said: “I have no information to give on that at this stage.”
He also said that at this point it is “not known” whether the victims and attackers knew each other.
The Reverend Clive Hamilton, vicar of nearby Saint Barnaby’s Church, said: “It’s absolutely shocking but I’m afraid it’s a reality of life in many parts of Britain, not just Knowle West.”
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 families to support and inform them about the investigation.
“A cordon has been put in place on Ilminster Avenue between Newquay Road and Tavistock Road and members of the public can expect a heavy police presence while forensics and other inquiries are carried out.
“There are a significant number of buildings within the cordon and we would like to apologize for the disruption caused, but we hope people understand the importance of the work being carried out.
“House-to-house inquiries are ongoing and CCTV footage and doorbells are being collected.
“We have also identified several witnesses from whom we will take statements. Detectives are particularly keen to speak to passengers on the bus which was on Ilminster Avenue at the time of the incident.
“The neighborhood police team will set up a mobile police station near the scene. We encourage anyone with any concerns or questions to speak with any officer. High visibility patrols will also be conducted to reassure the community.”
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He added: “It is extremely important that there are no comments or sharing of information or images on the internet which could in any way prejudice future proceedings.
“It may be an offense to identify anyone who witnessed all or part of the incident, as well as those who were arrested.
“I would also like to remind people of the impact that sharing images, footage or even discussing the incident online can have on the families of the two boys. They are already going through the most difficult times and you could make them even more upset.”
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees described the stabbing as a “tragic loss of life” and offered his condolences to the families.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Overnight we have unfortunately seen further tragic loss of life in our city
“I think of the victims and their families who are going through pain that no parent should have to experience
“We will do everything we can to support the families and the local community, working with the police.”
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It happened around 11.20pm last nightCredit: PA
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The two boys were attacked in Ilminster Avenue, Knowle West, south BristolCredit: SWNS
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Two people were arrested after the horrorCredit: BPM
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