‘SLEEP TIGHT’
Bristol stabbing: Grieving sister shares heartbreaking photo holding brother’s hand after boy, 16, is knifed to death
One woman described the heartbreaking moment she held the boy in her arms after he was stabbed
A GRIEVING sister has shared a heart-wrenching photo after her brother, 16, was knifed to death on Saturday.
Max Dixon had his life cruelly snatched away after a 'gang' stabbed him on Ilminster Avenue in Knowle West, Bristol.
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Another teen, Mason Rist, 15, was also killed in the brutal attack at around 11.20pm.
The pair were raced to two separate hospitals but tragically died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Four men aged 20, 22, and 44 - have been arrested in connection with the horror, as well as a 15-year-old boy.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Max's sister shared a photograph of her holding his hand.
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She wrote on Facebook: "You sleep tight. A beautiful, kind soul gone. Just taken 16 years so young and innocent oh my heart is broken.
"I really hope you know how much we love you. How much I love you.
"You will be missed kiddo I'll always look out for you in every sunset, shine bright lil' bro."
Max's grief-stricken mum, Leanne, wrote: "Devastated, our lives will never be the same without you my boy."
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Emotional messages of love and support have poured in following the boys' deaths.
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Scott Alden, Max's football beloved coach, also paid his respects and said: "Max, I had the pleasure of knowing you and coaching you since you were a young boy, you were the cheekiest, happy, funniest boy a very talented footballer who loved his family and friends."
A vigil, attended by around 150 people, was also held in their memory on Sunday night.
Floral tributes and cards have been left to pay respects as the community reels from shock.
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".
Speaking at the vigil 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."
'Tragic event'
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 she had "been in a right state" following the "shocking" stabbing.
"I’ve got kids myself. My kids have got to grow up around here,” the woman said.
Local school Oasis Academy Connaught, located near the tragic scene, said: "Many of you will have heard of the tragic event that happened last night in our community. Our love goes out to all.
"We will make sure your children have their adults available to talk to in school if and when they need them.
"Please look after each other and those who are in need at this sad time."
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.
It comes as Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and remain in police custody as part of the double murder investigation.
It is understood a group of people, who fled the scene in a car, had launched the savage attack.
The force also confirmed they are looking for more suspects in their double murder investigation.
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.
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.
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