Teenagers stabbed to death in Bristol named as police launch murder probe

Two teenage boys were stabbed to death in Bristol

Two teenage boys were stabbed to death in Bristol

PA
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 29/01/2024

- 09:07

Updated: 29/01/2024

- 16:24

Four people have been arrested and remain in custody

Two teenagers who were stabbed to death in Bristol have been named as Avon & Somerset Police launch a murder investigation.

Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, were attacked by a number of people in Knowle West.


The incident, which took place at 11.20pm on Saturday, resulted in the pair later dying in hospital.

A 44-year-old man and 15-year-old boy were originally arrested and placed in custody. Two more men, a 22-year-old and a 20-year-old were arrested a few hours later.

Bristol Commander Supt Mark Runacres speaks to the media at the scene in south Bristol where two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, died

Bristol Commander Supt Mark Runacres speaks to the media at the scene in south Bristol where two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, died

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Commander Supt Mark Runacres said at a press conference: "There are further suspects that are being sought amongst the group that we believe are responsible."

Officers have launched a murder probe and seized a vehicle.

A vigil was held where the boys were stabbed on Sunday.

Members of the local community showed up to light candles and a sign called for the end of knife crime.

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People take part in a vigil near to the scene in south Bristol

People take part in a vigil near to the scene in south Bristol

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Runacres added: "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 enquiries are conducted."

Formal identification still needs to take place and a forensic post-mortem needs to be scheduled.

Police and forensic investigators at the scene in south Bristol

Police and forensic investigators at the scene in south Bristol

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In a statement, Runacres also said: "[I'm] frustrated that offences like this will take place anywhere. It's demoralising.

"But it makes me determined to support the community.

"[And] it makes me determined to work with the team of police officers we have committed to this to identify those and bring them to justice."

Police have set up a mobile police station and continue with high visibility.

Leanne Reynolds, a knife bin and bleed kit campaigner for the area, said people were shocked.

Leanne Reynolds, a knife bin and bleed kit campaigner for the area, said people were shocked.

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Speaking at the vigil, Leanne Reynolds, a knife bin and bleed kit campaigner for the area, said people were shocked.

"I've got loads of messages and people want more bleed kits out in the community and more training," she said.

"These are not your kitchen knives, these are massive knives that need to come off our streets. We don't need them."

A meeting is being held on Monday at midday for community members to talk to the police and council.

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