Bristol stabbing – latest: Teenager dies in Rawnsley Park attack as police hunt for two people in masks

Police launch murder investigation after boy knifed by attackers who fled on bicycles

Medics tried to save the teenager but he was pronounced dead in the St Philips area of the city at around 6pm (Simon Chapman/LNP)

A 16-year-old boy has been stabbed to death in Bristol by two people in masks as police launch a murder investigation.

Officers are hunting for the suspects who fled on bicycles after the teenager was knifed in Rawnsley Park, near Easton, on Wednesday evening.

The boy ran to Stapleton Road to get help after the attack, but he collapsed in West Street and was aided by a motorist before emergency services arrived. The teenager died in the St Philips area of the city at around 6pm.

Avon and Somerset police have launched a murder probe and are hunting for the pair in masks.

The killing comes weeks after the deaths of Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, who were stabbed in the Knowle West area of the city on the evening of Saturday 27 January.

Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres said: “Tragically, we have lost another young life from our city in utterly horrific circumstances.”

He added: “While we are keeping an open mind, there is no clear evidence to suggest this is linked to other recent incidents in the city.”

Have you been affected by this story? Email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk

Key Points

• Boy, 16, stabbed to death in Bristol
• In pictures: Teenager attacked in park before collapsing in Bristol
• Mapped: Where in Bristol did the attack happen
• Stabbing comes less than three weeks after two teenagers knifed to death in Bristol
• ‘This needs to stop’: Mayor of Bristol responds to tragedy

[15 February 2024 16:00 · Tara Cobham]

This is the end of our live coverage

This is the end of our live coverage of this incident.

For all the latest updates, visit The Independent’s homepage.

[15 February 2024 15:00 · Tara Cobham]

Investigations continue at the scene on Thursday

Investigators wearing white forensic suits were seen examining the scene and taking photographs on Thursday.

A yellow and white forensic tent was erected over a picnic bench in the park, close to children’s play equipment.

Investigators wearing white forensic suits were seen examining the scene and taking photographs on Thursday (PA)

[15 February 2024 14:22 · Tara Cobham]

West of England mayor calls for new approach to tackle ‘growing trend’ of knife violence

The mayor for the West of England has called for a new approach to tackling what he described as a “growing trend” of knife violence.

Dan Norris said: “My first thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man. It’s always a tragedy when a young person loses their life but particularly so when it is caused by such unnecessary and senseless violence.

“People across the West of England are rightly concerned about what appears to be a growing trend of knife violence.

“This can’t go on. We must learn the lessons of this and other recent tragic knife incidents across our region. A new approach to knife crime – including its complex causes – is desperately needed.”

[15 February 2024 14:02 · Tara Cobham]

‘This needs to stop’: Mayor of Bristol responds to tragedy

The mayor of Bristol has said “this needs to stop” in response to the tragedy.

Marvin Rees tweeted: “Bristol is waking up to tragic news. I can’t begin to imagine what the victim’s family are experiencing, my thoughts are with them.

“This needs to stop. We will make every effort to support the family, the police and local community at this time.”

[15 February 2024 13:37 · Tara Cobham]

Police appeal for information after murder probe launched

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for information after launching a murder investigation following the stabbing.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the force on 101, quoting 5224039827.

[15 February 2024 13:15 · Tara Cobham]

‘We have lost another young life from our city in horrific circumstances,’ says police chief

The Bristol police chief has said the city has “lost another young life in utterly horrific circumstances” following a series of recent stabbings.

Bristol Commander, Supt Mark Runacres, said: “Tragically, we have lost another young life from our city in utterly horrific circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at what will be an unimaginably difficult time and officers will continue to support them.

“We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and we will be working tirelessly to that end.

“While we are keeping an open mind, there is no clear evidence to suggest this is linked to other recent incidents in the city.”

[15 February 2024 13:00 · Tara Cobham]

Cordon remains in place in Rawnsely Park

A cordon remains in place in Rawnsley Park after a teenager was stabbed there on Wednesday evening.

The A420 was closed between West Street and the Lawrence Hill roundabout to allow crime scene investigators to examine the scene but has since reopened overnight.

The boy ran to Stapleton Road to get help after the attack, but he collapsed in West Street.

Officers are continuing to make inquiries on Thursday morning, including reviewing CCTV footage.

There will also be increased patrols in the area.

A Police tent at Rawnsley Park near to the scene in the St Philips area of Bristol where a 16-year-old boy has died after being stabbed on Wednesday evening (PA)

[15 February 2024 12:45 · Tara Cobham]

Police do not believe stabbing linked to recent incidents in city

The killing comes weeks after the deaths of Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, who were stabbed in the Knowle West area of the city on the evening of Saturday 27 January.

However, Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres said: “While we are keeping an open mind, there is no clear evidence to suggest this is linked to other recent incidents in the city.”

[15 February 2024 12:30 · Tara Cobham]

Stabbing comes less than three weeks after two teenagers knifed to death in Bristol

The stabbing comes less than three weeks after two other teenage boys were knifed to death in Bristol.

Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, killed in the Knowle West area of the city on the evening of Saturday 27 January.

Here’s the latest on the previous incident:

[15 February 2024 12:15 · Tara Cobham]

In pictures: Forensics on the scene in Bristol

Police and forensic officers at Rawnsley Park near to the scene in the St Philips area of Bristol where a 16-year-old boy has died after being stabbed on Wednesday evening (PA)

Police and forensic officers at Rawnsley Park near to the scene in the St Philips area of Bristol where a 16-year-old boy has died after being stabbed on Wednesday evening (PA)

Police and forensic officers at Rawnsley Park near to the scene in the St Philips area of Bristol where a 16-year-old boy has died after being stabbed on Wednesday evening (PA)