'HEART OF GOLD'
Tributes to ‘talented footballer’ after two teen boys knifed to death in Bristol as cops arrest pair amid murder probe
Cop says the tragedy has left him feeling 'demoralised'
A BOY has been hailed as a "talented footballer" after he and another teen were stabbed to death in Bristol.
Two people have been arrested after Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, were knifed "in front of horrified bus passengers" in Bristol on Saturday night.
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The youngsters, who have been named locally, were said to have been attacked by a group of people who made off from the scene in a car.
A 44-year-old man and 15-year-old boy have been arrested and remain in custody.
Max's football coach Scott Alden paid tribute to him in a heartbreaking Facebook post.
Alden said: "Max, I had the pleasure of knowing you and coaching you since you were a young boy.
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"You were the cheekiest, happy, funniest boy - a very talented footballer who loved his family and friends.
"I'm so sorry this happened to you, the world is a cruel and dangerous place now.
"You will be missed by everyone who knew you, thinking of all your family and friends with love. RIP Max."
Local Esme Kingdon added: "Devastated, he was the kindest boy with a heart of gold who always had a smile on his face.
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"He’ll be missed by everyone. Rest in paradise Max."
Daisy Hayward said: "I'm sorry this world could not keep you safe.
"May your journey home be a soft and peaceful one rest in peace.
"You'll always be in our hearts. I'm so grateful for all the memories I have of you causing hell.
"You were such a kind and funny trouble maker. Life truly won't be the same without you.
"Your memories will always be with us, you will forever remain in our hearts. Sleep well Max."
'REPREHENSIBLE ATTACK'
Cops said they are looking for more suspects after the double stabbing.
A vigil was held for the two tragic youngsters on Sunday night, with floral tributes laid at the scene.
One tribute read: "In loving memory of Mason and Max, gone but never forgotten."
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.
Cops confirmed a vehicle was also seized.
This morning, forensic teams were still working to gather evidence behind a cordon.
It is not known at this stage whether the victims and attackers were known to each other or whether the stabbing was a case of mistaken identity.
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 Mayor Marvin Rees described the stabbing as "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.
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"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."
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