Murder investigation after teenager stabbed near University of Northampton campus
A police cordon has been set up in Northampton as police investigate
A murder investigation has been launched after a 19-year-old man was stabbed to death near a university campus in what police called a "targeted" attack.
Police and emergency services were called to New Southbridge Road in Northampton at 8.40pm on Sunday, but despite the efforts of paramedics the man died at the scene.
The road, where a blue tent and a cordon guarded by police officers had been set up on Monday, leads to the Waterside campus of the University of Northampton.
Three men - two aged 19, one aged 18 - and an 18-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the stabbing and are in police custody.
The road is flanked on one side by a private housing estate and on the other by four-storey blocks of flats which are rented either by students or the general public.
Behind the cordon a large amount of police activity has been visible throughout the day, with numerous officers and vehicles still in attendance.
It is not yet known whether the man who died or those being held are university students.
Det Insp Simon Barnes said: “First of all, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of this young man. Specially trained officers are supporting them during this awful time and I want to reassure them, and the local community, that we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“A lot of work has taken place overnight to effect these four arrests and detectives will begin questioning them today.
“In the meantime, I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened or anyone with information to come forward. No matter how small you think your piece of information is, please give us a call and let us know about it.
“While we do believe this incident to be a targeted attack, there will understandably be concern in the local area and neighbourhood policing officers will be carrying out extra patrols to reassure people.
"Anyone with any concerns is more than welcome to approach one of these officers who will be happy to help.”
A spokesman for the University of Northampton said: "Our community is deeply saddened by this news, and we will be doing all we can to support staff and students while assisting police with their enquiries over the coming days."
Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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