Eight teenagers, including two girls, have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death. The group – whose ages ranged from 15 and 17 – were taken into custody last night after police were called to a house in Bath, northeast Somerset, at 11.30pm.
A 35-year-old woman was also stabbed in the same incident and was taken to the Royal United Hospital for treatment. She has since been discharged. Avon and Somerset Constabulary said a “significant police presence” remained in Eastfield Avenue – where the stabbings happened – as it continues its investigations. All of the suspects remained in custody this afternoon.
Chief Inspector Ronald Lungu, of the Bath Neighbourhood Team at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts this morning are very much with the family of the boy who has died.
“They were informed of what happened as soon as possible and are understandably devastated. Specialist family liaison officers will now be assigned to them to provide them with support and keep them updated.
“Officers arrived at the scene within minutes of the first call being received and an investigation into the incident is already being carried out, led by the major crime investigation team.
“We’ve identified a number of witnesses and we’ll be taking formal statements from them in due course but we’re also keen to hear from anyone who was at the address at the time who hasn’t yet spoken to police. If you can help, please call us on 101.”
He added: “The community can expect to see a significant police presence in the area today, and for the next few days, while officers and police staff carry out a number of actions including forensic examinations, a review of CCTV footage and house-to-house enquiries.
“There is currently a large cordon in place on Eastfield Avenue while we carry out these enquires and I’d like to thank those residents whose properties are impacted by this for their patience and understanding.
“I appreciate this is a concerning incident and I’d like to reassure people a thorough inquiry is taking place. However, should anyone have any questions I’d encourage them to make contact with their local neighbourhood policing team, who’ll be carrying out extra patrols in the area.”
A forensic post-mortem examination to determine the cause of the boy’s death will take place in due course.
