Fundraiser set up in memory of the two teenagers who died in stabbing

Police say two people remain in custody as investigations continue

Ilminster Avenue in Knowle West where investigations continue
Author: Andrew KayPublished 29th Jan 2024

A Go-Fund me page has been set up after a stabbing in Bristol, as police conduct a murder investigation.

A 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested and remain in custody. Last night a vigil was held near the scene of the attack on Sunday - where people lit candles and placed flowers.

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.

The teenagers who died have been named locally as 16-year-old Max Dixon and Mason Rist, who was 15.

In a post online, Kayleigh Dixon wrote: "My baby baby brother… one of a kind you are. You sleep tight, a beautiful, kind soul, gone. Just taken. 16 years so young and innocent😢 oh my heart is broken. I really hope you know how much we love you. How much i love you. You will be missed kiddo."

The online appeal by Shania Hartrey says: "I can not imagine what the family’s are going through, let’s raise as much as we can to help these parents give these two little boys the send of they deserve. Thoughts are with everyone at this sad time."

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.

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.

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