Milton Keynes stabbing – Best pals, 17, were knifed to death by masked knifemen who stormed house party in ‘set-up’
TWO best pals were stabbed to death by masked knifeman who stormed a house party uninvited on Saturday night.
It has been claimed the 17-year-olds were murdered in a “set up” in a £400,000 semi-detached Milton Keynes home – with the attackers still at large.
Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice died after they were confronted at a birthday party, a neighbour told the Sun Online.
Chilling images from the scene show forensic crews working outside the house with blood splatters clearly visible on the front door.
One of the boys died at the scene, while the second victim passed away in hospital.
Thames Valley Police confirmed today “those responsible arrived at the party uninvited, wore face coverings and they were armed with knives in what appears to be a targeted attack”.
A statement on the double murder probe added: “I have a clear message to those responsible. We are looking for you and I urge you to hand yourself into a police station as soon as possible.”
reports neighbours said the pair had been “lured” to the party and suggested it was gang related. And a shocked mum whose son was there said one of the teens died in his arms.
Another 17-year-old and a 23-year-old, who suffered knife injuries were rushed to hospital in a serious but non-life threatening condition.
It comes as knife crime in the local area has risen by 90 per cent over the past two years – as cops try to tackle the mounting problem.
KNIFE CRIME IN MILTON KEYNES
Knife crime has soared in Milton Keynes by 90 per cent over the past two years.
In a meteoric rise higher than Lawless London, the Buckinghamshire town is one of the for knife crime.
The shocking increase was revealed when the BBC put in a Freedom of information request to all 43 regional police forces in England and Wales.
This covered serious knife crime in the area – including any assault, robbery, threat to kill, murder or sexual offence involving a knife or sharp instrument.
And earlier this year the Police and Crime Commissioner gave £800k to Thames Valley Police to tackle knife crime among kids.
Matthew Barber, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner said at the time: “Given the recent increase in knife crime, we need to look at what more we can do to protect young people from violence and exploitation and how we can work even more closely in partnership with both statutory and community organisations to try to reverse this trend.”
Heartbreaking tributes flooded in for the two former Hazeley Academy pupils, who are both local to the area and were best pals, family members said.
Dom’s mum Tracey shared a quote on Facebook, reading: “Drugs don’t love you, drug dealers don’t love you, the lifestyle doesn’t love you but all of it will take you away from the people that do.”
One girl, calling herself a cousin, wrote: “Heartbroken!! too loose theses boys I’ve grown up with my family, my little cousin! Words don’t describe.
“Gone far far too soon! There just young boys robbed of their lives. Knife crime needs to stop. This is crazy!.
“They didn’t just destroy one life they destroyed a twin sister’s life, a brother’s life and parents’ life and hundreds more.
“May you gorgeous boys rest in peace. Uncle mark (my dad) is there waiting for you. Sleep tight. Until we meet again”.
Dom is understood to have a twin sister called Holly, while Ben has an older brother called Jakey.
TEARFUL TRIBUTES
A teen who laid a tribute today at the double murder scene said: “ I went to school with them, they were lovely boys, always jokey and best pals. It’s tragic.”
Two tearful cousins of one of the boys attended the site of the killing to lay flowers on Sunday.
One of the cousins, who did not wish to give her name, said: “He’s come here with his long-time best friend since childhood, comes to a party and both of their lives just got ripped away from them.
“He was just so respectful to his family and friends. Many, many people’s hearts are broken.”
The family of Ben Gillham-Rice said they were too upset to talk yesterday.
Police haven’t made any arrests but confirmed a party involving up to 20 people was taking place when the horror unfolded.
It is thought the stabbings occurred after a group of gatecrashers arrived at the party – cops have yet to comment on gang links.
‘FATAL ROW’
One partygoer revealed a row broke out in the bathroom which led to Dom and Ben’s death.
“We were all having a good time, drinking and dancing as you do, and then it all kicked off in the bathroom,” she said.
“Suddenly there was all this screaming upstairs, people running everywhere and someone shouting ‘he’s been stabbed’.”
Head of Crime Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter said: “I believe the people directly involved in the incident are all likely to have know each other.”
One neighbour told BBC News she believed the gathering was a party for a teenage girl living in the house.
Others had said a birthday banner was hanging on the door.
A neighbour said: “A group of young people arrived and got into the house.
“Soon after midnight loads of police cars and ambulances arrived in the road and there were blue lights everywhere.”
Another said she heard a “commotion” and screaming, shortly before midnight, but did not see what happened.
Knife crime has continued to plague the UK – with figures revealing it has risen by seven per cent in a year to hit an all-time high.
The total does not include figures from Greater Manchester Police — the UK’s third largest force — which records data differently.
Alarming figures have also revealed knife crime is rising at a quicker rate in towns and cities outside London.
- Anyone with information is urged to call police via the 24-hour 101 number, quoting URN 176119/10 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
