Bath murder: officials respond as investigations continue
Bath's Liberal Democrat MP calls for police to 'step up' to knife crime
The MP for Bath says we need to "step up to the challenge" of keeping young people safe - following the death of 16-year-old in the city over the weekend.
11 young people, all aged between 15 and 17, are being questioned by police in connection with the incident on Saturday night on Eastfield Avenue at around 11pm.
Police say members of the public tried to give the 16-year-old first aid at the scene ahead of the paramedics arriving, but he couldn't be saved and he died at the scene.
A 35-year-old woman was also stabbed in the incident and attended Royal United Hospital for treatment, but has since been discharged.
In a statement, Bath's MP, Wera Hobhouse, said: “Our first focus must be the victim and their family. My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragic loss of life and we must do everything to support them.
“It would be inappropriate of me to comment further on the specifics of this crime while the police investigation is ongoing.
“Keeping our young people safe from knife crime is a national challenge. Here in Bath we need to step up to this challenge. This will involve working together across the Avon and Somerset police area and with neighbouring forces.
“We also need to get better at tackling the root causes of knife crime by working closely with local stakeholders.”
Tom Yacomeni, rector at All Saints Church, Weston, Bath, said: "It's horrendous when violence and death hits any community and I was gutted to hear what was happening in our streets.
"We are not only devastated for the families and those involved, but I'm devastated for the whole community.
"It's very quiet right now. I feel like people just need be able to talk and share quietly together and just to understand what has happened."
Chief Inspector Ronald Lungu said: “Understanding what happened last night and why is the utmost priority of officers working on this investigation, as they look to provide answers to the boy’s family.
“Specialist liaison officers are now in place and have informed the boy’s parents of this latest development. Our thoughts continue to be with them at this sad time.
“Detectives continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed what happened, as well as anyone who has relevant phone, dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact them.
“In addition to contacting the team via the non-emergency phone number 101, people can also submit information via the Major Incident Public Portal. If you can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”