Murder investigation launched after student stabbed to death at university in Leicester

Leicestershire Police said while officers were on the way to the scene, it was reported that a man, in his 20s, had been stabbed.

The victim, who was a student at De Montfort University, was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

An 18-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.

Police said they believe the victim was "involved in an altercation with another man in the street" who then left the scene before they arrived.

Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “We are currently piecing together exactly what has occurred on the corner of Oxford Street and Bonners Lane between, what is reported, as two men involved in a confrontation.

“One of the men is believed to have been stabbed and has then collapsed in the street. Despite the best efforts of medical staff he died in hospital.

“CCTV in the area is currently being reviewed and officers are speaking to potential witnesses to assist with our investigation.

"We know a lot of people came to the aid of the victim before emergency services arrived and we want to thank them for their help.

"If you were one of these people and you haven’t yet spoken to police, please make contact with us."

The force said it has stepped up patrols in the area following the incident and urged people with mobile phone or dashcam footage to come forward.

Police said the incident is not believed to be counter-terror related.

Vice chancellor of De Montfort University, Professor Katie Normington, said: "We are devastated to confirm the tragic death of one of our students.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students, staff and the family of the victim.

“We are working with Leicestershire Police as they investigate this major incident.

“Thank you for the messages of support we have been receiving from the community of Leicester: it is a city that knows how to stand together in moments like this.”

The university earlier said it is offering support to students and staff who "witnessed" what happened.

It said in a statement: "We are aware of a very serious incident on our campus this evening.

"We are working with Leicestershire Police as they launch an immediate investigation.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by what has happened.

"We are offering direct support to students and staff who witnessed the incident.”

A spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "The caller reported a medical emergency.

"We sent a paramedic in an ambulance car, three crewed ambulances and a responder from the air ambulance was also in attendance.

"We transported one patient to Leicester Royal Infirmary."

Leicester West MP Liz Kendall said: “I am aware that a serious incident took place on De Montfort University Campus yesterday evening, and that a police cordon remains in place this morning.

"There are no further details currently and I would urge everyone to refrain from speculating whilst investigations continue.

“De Montfort University are providing support to students and staff who witnessed the event.

“My thoughts are with those affected by what has happened.”

In a statement in the early hours of this morning, police urged motorists to avoid the area, warning of several road closures.

Leicestershire Police said in a statement: "Due to police scene preservation in place following an incident in Oxford Street, Leicester, last night (Tuesday, February 3), there are a number of road closures in place.

"These closures are expected to remain on for a number of hours meaning there will be traffic disruption in the area during the morning rush hour.

"Motorist travelling into the city are advised to avoid the area if possible. If you are travelling into the city, please allow extra time.

"The roads are closed to vehicles and pedestrians."

One De Montfort University student who lives in the area said he remains uncertain about the incident.

Prince Sandhu, age 25, told Leicestershire Live: "I live around that area and I've seen lots of police but I wasn't around last night when it happened so I don't know what's been going on.

"Nobody I've spoken to knows either. It seems like a lot of police."

The road closures have disrupted access to the nearby Leicester Royal Infirmary hospital.

Police said NHS staff will still be given access to the hospital's car park but will need to present their ID to officers at the scene.

Leicester's Hospitals said in a statement: "Travel disruption [is] affecting access to the Leicester Royal Infirmary this morning.

"Due to road closures currently in place near the hospital following an overnight incident, there will be traffic disruption in the area this morning."

"Thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding while the police carry out their work," it added.

The hospital group advised patients with appointments this morning to still attend but all extra travel time.

It said if patients experience delays, they should contact the relevant clinic or department.

Local councillor Patrick Kitterick said his thoughts are with "anyone impacted".

He told GB News: "I imagine it must be very serious as the road closure is affecting road access to Leicester Royal Infirmary which is Leicester's busiest hospital and is home to an extremely busy A&E.

"My thoughts go out to anyone impacted by this incident as it does sound very serious."