Bristol stabbings: Heartbroken woman pleaded ‘stay with us’ as boy lay dying in her arms after being ‘knifed by gang’
A HEARTBROKEN woman pleaded 'stay with us' as she held a dying boy in her arms after he was stabbed to death.
Cops launched a double murder investigation after Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, were knifed on Ilminster Avenue in Knowle West, Bristol, at around 11.20pm on Saturday night.
The teens were taken to two hospitals - Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children - but sadly died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The victims were said to have been attacked by a group of people who fled the scene in a car.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and remain in police custody.
Leading the murder investigation, Superintendent Mark Runacres, the Bristol commander at Avon and Somerset police said it is "not known" whether Max and Mason were known to each other.
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An emotional vigil was held near the scene on Sunday and one woman, Julie O’Reilly, told the : “I was there. I went out to the young chap on the floor. I had Mason's head on my lap.
“Trying to tell him. ‘Stay with us, stay with us – we’ve got help coming’."
The heartbroken resident added that the victim "was a good boy".
Meanwhile another local said they had "been in a right state" following the "shocking" stabbing.
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"I’ve got kids myself. My kids have got to grow up around here,” she said.
Speaking at the vigil on Sunday, which was attended by around 150 people, one local said: "We need to stand up and we are not going to put up with this. No child should be on our streets with a knife, they have no reason.
"Go home, search your children's room. Anything you find, get it out of the room and stand together.
"Don't be frightened to look for help."
'Heart is broken'
Floral tributes with emotional messages have also been left to pay respects.
A card remembered Max as "the loveliest boy" and said he "will most definitely never be forgotten".
Another person said their "heart is broken" and that they would never forget Max's "cheeky smile".
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees described the stabbing a "tragic loss of life" and expressed his condolences to the families.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Overnight we have sadly seen further tragic loss of life in our city.
"I'm thinking of the victims and their families, going through a pain that no parent should have to experience
"We will do all we can to support the families and the local community, working with the police."
The Reverend Clive Hamilton, Vicar of the nearby Saint Barnaby church, said: “It is absolutely shocking, but I’m afraid this is the reality of life in many parts of Britain, not just Knowle West.”
DOUBLE MURDER INVESTIGATION
It comes as the force confirmed they are looking for more suspects.
Supt Mark Runacres said at a press conference: "There are further suspects that are being sought amongst the group that we believe are responsible."
Asked if the stabbings were a case of mistaken identity, he added: “I have no information that I can provide on that at this stage."
Supt Mark Runacres also said a double-decker bus had stopped as the teens were knifed at the side of the road, and police are keen to speak to any passengers on board at the time.
“But I am here to reassure people living in this community that my officers will leave, no stone unturned in our efforts to catch those responsible for this reprehensible attack," he added.
I went out to the young chap on the floor. I had his head on my lap. Trying to tell him. ‘Stay with us, stay with us – we’ve got help coming’."
Julie O’Reilly
Cops confirmed a vehicle was also seized.
On Sunday morning, forensic teams were at the scene collecting evidence.
Ilminster Avenue, from Connaught Road to Newquay Road had been cordoned off and the area was swarmed with officers and vehicles.
FULL POLICE STATEMENT
In a statement Supt Mark Runacres said: “This is an incredibly shocking and tragic incident where two young boys, who had their whole lives ahead of them, have sadly died.
“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.
“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.
“House-to-house enquiries are underway and CCTV and doorbell footage continues to be gathered.
It is absolutely shocking."
Reverend Clive Hamilton
“We have also identified several witnesses who we will be taking statements from. Detectives are particularly keen to speak with passengers on a bus which was on Ilminster Avenue at the time of the incident.
“The neighbourhood policing team will be setting up a mobile police station near the scene. We encourage anyone with any concerns or questions to speak to any of the officers. High-visibility patrols will also be carried out to provide reassurance to the community.”
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He added: “It is extremely important there should be no commentary or sharing of information or images online which could in any way prejudice and any future proceedings.
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“It can be an offence to identify anyone who witnessed all or part of the incident as well as those who have been arrested.
“I’d also like to remind people of the impact the sharing of images, footage or even discussing the incident online may have on the families of the two boys. They are already going through the most difficult of times and you may cause them further upset.”
BRISTOL STABBINGS
- Cops arrive at Ilminster Avenue in Knowle West, Bristol, at around 11.20pm on Saturday, January 27 to reports of the stabbing.
- Victims are taken to to Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children after being found with stab wounds.
- The teens tragically passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
- Avon and Somerset Police launch a double murder investigation.
- Police confirm they arrested a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy who remain in custody as part of the probe.
- A vigil attended by around 150 people is held near the scene on Sunday night.
- Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, are named as the victims as their families pay tribute.
- One woman recounts the tragedy of holding one boys in her arms as he lay dying.
