What we know about the fatal stabbing in Bristol

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed to death in Bristol.

A 30-year-old man was fatally injured in an “altercation” on Tuesday night and was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary, where he later died. Police have confirmed that a 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Avon and Somerset Police said they do not believe the incident poses a wider risk to the public and are appealing for the public’s help with any information or footage relating to it. A cordon remains in the area.

Relatives of the victims have been told of his death, which follows three recent fatal stabbings in Bristol, and comes on the day a knife crime campaign was launched in the city.

What we know

Avon and Somerset Police said they received a report that a man was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary with a stab wound at around 8.30pm. The incident is believed to have happened near the junction of Ashley Road and Grosvenor Road in St Pauls, where a cordon remained in place.

The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Superintendent Mark Runacres, Commander of Bristol Police, said: “Despite the best efforts of medical professionals at the hospital, a 30-year-old man has tragically died.

“Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with the man’s loved ones at this time who have been notified of his death. Specially trained family liaison officers will support them.”

Detectives from the Major Crimes Investigation Team (MCIT) are investigating the incident following the recent fatal stabbings of Darrian Williams, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, in Easton , in Knowle West in January.

The latest death comes as a new knife crime campaign is launched in the form of an open letter to Bristol calling for an end to the “surge of knife crime”. The main aims of the open letter were to set up a task force and lobby the government “to get knives off the streets”.

Runacres added: “We believe there is no wider risk to the public as a result of this incident; however, we recognize the concern that recent events cause and the negative light that shines on our city. We are aware of today’s launch of a joint media campaign on this issue and will not shy away from taking all necessary measures to prevent serious violence.”

West of England Mayor Dan Norris offered his sympathies to families after “another fatal stabbing” in the city.

What we don’t know

Police have not publicly named the stabbing victim or the man who was arrested on suspicion of murder. We don’t know the details of the incident and it’s unclear if those involved knew each other.

Police have confirmed an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as forensic searches, CCTV trawls and witness statements are taken.

Detectives are urgently keen to speak to anyone in the area of ​​Ashley Road or Grosvenor Road on Tuesday night who may have seen anything suspicious or has any dash cam or CCTV footage which could help with their enquiries. To get in touch, please call 101 and quote reference 5224057887.

Avon and Somerset Police said they launched a proactive operation three weeks ago following a spate of stabbings which will see a dedicated team of officers and staff carry out a range of activities and tactics to tackle crime with knife.

What the residents say

Locals at the scene of the stabbing expressed their shock at another death in the town. Sarah Smith, 67, a business owner and councillor, said: “It’s right over Bristol. This has been happening for a long time.”

Maryam, 35, who works in education and has just moved to the area, added: “It’s a bit sad to be honest when there’s a stabbing because you just think it’s going to create disharmony.”

Mustafa Abdullah, 39, said: “We live opposite and we got information from the police and they said someone had been stabbed. It’s been six (recent stabbings) it’s very scary and it feels like it’s happening every day.

“I can be next. It’s really scary. It becomes too much – it is very bad. I feel it’s less safe to live in Bristol.”

Ruth Robertson, 43, a former teacher, added: “I have an 11-year-old and this kind of situation makes me not want to go home at night. It makes me not want to let him out. He has his friends, but they shouldn’t take him home. It shouldn’t even be considered that your child will be stabbed on the way to or from school.

“We live just around the corner. It’s only about a 10 minute walk. But still, it’s like, make sure you get home before dark.”