Two teenagers stabbed to death in Bristol identified at wake

Two teenagers who died following a fatal stabbing in Bristol have been identified locally.

The boys, named as Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, were attacked in Ilminster Avene, Knowle West, by a group who then fled the scene in a car at around 11.20pm on Saturday.

A 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and are in custody.

Police say they are also looking for “other suspects.”

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said on Sunday: “Police arrived on scene within minutes of the initial call and did what they could to provide first aid.

“The victims were stabbed and taken by ambulance to two hospitals – Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Children's Hospital – where they sadly died in the early hours of this morning.

“An investigation into this incident is being conducted by our Major Crime Investigation Team. Two arrests have already been made – a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy. They remain in police custody.

“A vehicle was also seized.

“Formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place and a forensic autopsy will be carried out in due course.”

Bristol's commanding officer, Superintendent Mark Runacres, told a press conference: “Further suspects are being sought from the group we believe to be responsible. »

Detectives want to speak to passengers on a bus that was on Ilminster Avenue at the time of the attack.

A vigil was held near the scene of the attack on Sunday, where people lit candles and laid flowers for the victims.

Superintendent Commander Runacres said: “This is an incredibly shocking and tragic incident in which two young boys, who had their whole lives ahead of them, have sadly died.

“Our thoughts are with their families at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time. Specialist liaison officers will now be assigned to the families to provide support and keep them informed of developments in 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 significant police presence while forensic searches and other inquiries are carried out.

“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.

“Door-to-door inquiries are ongoing and CCTV and doorbell footage continues to be collected.

“We have also identified several witnesses whose statements we will take. Detectives are particularly keen to speak with passengers on a bus which was on Ilminster Avenue at the time of the incident.

“The community policing team will set up a mobile police station near the scene. We encourage anyone with concerns or questions to speak to one of the agents. High visibility patrols will also be carried out to reassure the community. »