Two teenage boys have died after a stabbing at a party in Milton Keynes, prompting police to launch a double murder investigation.
The 17-year-olds were found seriously injured after emergency services were called to a house on a residential estate shortly before midnight.
One of the victims died at the scene in Archford Croft, Emerson Valley, and the other died in hospital later on Sunday morning.
Two other men, aged 17 and 23, were also injured in the same incident and are being treated in hospital for serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
Detectives said there were around 15 to 20 people at the house party on Saturday evening before the attack.
“I believe the people directly involved in this incident are all likely to have known each other,’’ said detective chief superintendent Ian Hunter.
Neighbours described the area as “peaceful” but complained about youths hanging around in the street.
“It’s all gang-related,” said one woman. “We do know that there was a house party at the time. I think it’s just because there was a house party and then the trouble started from there.”
Thames Valley Police launched a double murder investigation and appealed for witnesses and information.
“Clearly this is a dreadful incident and we are in the very early stages of the investigation,” Det Ch Supt Hunter said during a press conference on Sunday afternoon.
“We remain on the scene at Archford Croft in Emerson Valley and a scene has been cordoned off while the investigation continues. This scene is likely to remain for several days.
“Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims and we have deployed specially trained officers to support them.
“I fully appreciate the concern that this will cause in the local community and beyond, but at this early stage, I believe the people directly involved in this incident are all likely to have known each other.
“It is important that our investigation team receive all relevant information so I urge anybody who can help, no matter how insignificant you think this may be, to come forward.
“We also want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Emerson Valley between 11pm last night and 1am this morning.”
