Murder police hunt knifemen who stabbed two boys aged 15 and 16 to death in Bristol and vow to 'leave no stone unturned' as they go door-to-door amid probe

Police have vowed to ‘eave no stone unturned’ in the hunt for knifemen after two boys, aged 15 and 16, were stabbed to death in south Bristol on Saturday night.

Police scrambled to the scene ‘within minutes’ of a call to an address on Ilminster Avenue, in Knowle West, at around 11.20pm yesterday where the two teenagers were discovered.

Police carried out first aid at the scene before the two boys were rushed to hospital by ambulance after sustaining fatal stab wounds.

The teenagers sadly died at Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children in the early hours of Sunday morning, with the boys’ families by their side.

Avon and Somerset Police have launched a murder investigation, which is being led by the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team.

Police arrived scrambled to the scene ‘within minutes’ of a call to an address on Ilminster Avenue, in Knowle West, at around 11.20pm yesterday where two teenagers were discovered

Two arrests have already been made – a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy. They remain in police custody. A vehicle was also seized as police continue their enquiries.

A heavy police presence remains at the scene with house-to-house enquiries underway and CCTV and doorbell footage being gathered by investigating officers.

Police say it is not yet clear at this stage what the motive was behind the attack or if the attackers and victims were known to each other.

Neither boy has yet been identified and post-mortem examinations will be carried out in due course.

Locals in Knowle West said the violence had left them feeling ‘panicked’ and unsafe.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: ‘I have two kids. My daughter is 23. My son is 15.

‘Have a think about how I feel as a father? I feel so bad and panicked.

‘My son is 15 – I can’t believe it. I thought it was a joke at first. How is this possible in 2024?

‘This is the problem. I don’t feel safe with my kids here.’

A woman who arrived at the cordon claimed her neighbour’s son was one of the teenagers who died.

The resident, who also did not want to be named, said: ‘It was my next door neighbour’s son – right outside my house last night.

‘No one’s seen my neighbour, which is understandable.’

She refused to give further details.

Forensic investigators at the scene in south Bristol where two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, died after the horrific attack

Avon and Somerset Police have launched a murder investigation after two teenage boys were discovered with fatal stab wounds on Ilminster Avenue in south Bristol last night

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

A mobile police station has been setup near the scene where a large cordon remains in place on Ilminster Avenue, between Newquay Road and Tavistock Road.

Forensic officers could also be seen combing the street this afternoon.

CCTV cameras are dotted around the area – including one at the junction between Newquay Road and Ilminster Avenue.

A worker in a shop on Newquay Road said the cameras were a sign of problems.

He said: ‘This area’s been hit [bad] for donkey’s years. Two young kids this time.

‘You tell me any other street in the UK that needs two cameras either side of it?’

In a press conference on Ilminster Avenue this afternoon, Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacers said that boys’ families had been made aware of the two arrests, and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

He told reporters: ‘The boys’ families were with them at hospital and our thoughts are with them as they process these awful events’.

He added: ‘I’d like to reassure people that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to catch those responsible for this reprehensible attack, and provide answers to the victims’ families.

‘We are in the early stages of our enquiry but we have already identified a number of witnesses who we will be taking statements from’.

Further suspects are ‘being sought’ amongst the group believed to be responsible, he said.

He urged anyone who has any information to come forward to either the police or Crimestoppers anonymously ‘as soon as possible’.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak with passengers on a double-decker bus which was on Ilminster Avenue at the time of attack, and remains at the scene.

It’s not believe anyone involved in the incident was on or got off the bus, Supt Runacres said.

A heavy police presence remains at forensic investigators comb the streets for evidence

High-visibility patrols will also be carried out to provide reassurance to the community

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.

‘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.

A cordon remains on Ilminster Avenue between Newquay Road and Tavistock Road

Members of the public can expect to see a large police presence as forensic searches and other enquiries are conducted

‘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.’

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.

‘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.’

Avon and Somerset Police added that ‘tragedies such as this are a stark reminder of the awful consequences of knife crime’.

The force added: ‘Reducing knife crime is one of our key priorities as a police service, it’s something we work all year round tackling’.

Anyone with information about the incident or with any relevant footage, has been asked to contact 101 and quote reference 5224023382.