Two teen boys stabbed to death ‘in front of horrified bus passengers by gang who fled in car’ as suspects on the loose

COPS have launched a double murder probe after two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, were stabbed to death "in front of horrified bus passengers".

Officers and paramedics were called to Ilminster Avenue in Knowle West, Bristol, late last night.

The teens were said to have been attacked by a group of people who made off from the scene in a car.

The pair suffered stab wounds and were taken to hospital, but died in the early hours.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were arrested - they remain in police custody.

The force said they are looking for more suspects after the double stabbing.

A vigil is being held for the two tragic youngsters tonight, with floral tributes laid at the scene.

Leading the murder investigation, Superintendent Mark Runacres, the Bristol commander at Avon and Somerset police, said the tragedy had left him feeling “demoralised”.

He added that a double-decker bus still parked in Ilminster Avenue had come to a standstill as the teens were stabbed at the side of the road.

Supt Runacres said cops were keen to speak to passengers who were on a bus at the time the stabbings occurred.

Several witnesses have already been identified, said the commander.

He said: “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.“

The victims sustained stab wounds and were taken to two hospitals - Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children - by ambulance, where they died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

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

Bristol Commander Supt Mark Runacres said at a press conference: "There are further suspects that are being sought amongst the group that we believe are responsible."

Cops confirmed a vehicle was also seized.

This morning, forensic teams were still working to gather evidence, and the entire Ilminster Avenue, from Connaught Road to Newquay Road has been cordoned off and the area flooded with police officers and vehicles.

Asked if the stabbings were a case of mistaken identity, Supt Runacres said: “I have no information that I can provide on that at this stage."

He also said it is “not known“ at this stage whether the victims and attackers were known to each other.

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.”

Bristol Commander 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.

“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.”

Do you know more about what happened? Contact ethan.singh@news.co.uk

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.”

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."