Doncaster stabbing victims named as Janis Kozlovskis, 17, and Ryan Theobald, 20
A 17-year-old and 20-year-old who were stabbed to death in Doncaster have been named as friends Janis Kozlovskis and Ryan Theobald.South Yorkshire Police said Janis and Ryan, both from Doncaster, were fatally stabbed during a fight between a number of young men in Doncaster town centre just after 2.30am on Saturday.Mr Theobald was pronounced dead at the scene. Janis died later in hospital. An 18-year-old man remains in hospital with minor injuries.
A post mortem examination has established that both Janis and Ryan died from stab wounds.Cordons were in place yesterday on several streets including Silver Street, High Street, Priory Place and Market Place.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on Saturday morning but has been released without charge.
The victims' families are being supported by specially trained officers. They will not be making any statements through the police at this time and have asked that their privacy is respected during this difficult period for them.Paying tribute online, Russanda wrote: "I’ve just lost my little 17-year-old brother to knife crime in my own home city of Doncaster."We’re all heartbroken I've always seen things like this on the news but now it’s happen to my own family."She added that they were "both young lads" who had their "whole life ahead of them".
An online fundraiser has also been set up to help Mr Theobald's family "give him the send off he deserves."Organiser Alisha Samba said: "Ryan was loved by so many, he was such a funny, loving, and kind hearted young lad."This heartbreaking tragedy has left his poor mum and sister absolutely heart broken."
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton, leading the investigation, said: “I know that incidents like this can have a devastating impact on the wider community and I want to reassure you we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
"The community who live, visit and work in the town centre will continue to see an increased police presence in the area as the murder investigation continues at pace. I would like to reassure people that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider community.
He added: “I continue to urge anyone who has any information that could help the investigation to contact us. We are really keen to speak with anyone who may have witnessed or have footage of the altercation, which started in Silver Street and continued into High Street, ending outside the KFC.
"Initial CCTV enquiries show that there were a number of bystanders who saw the incident and we urge them to come forward and help us. If you are uncomfortable speaking to the police directly you can call Crimestoppers completely anonymously.”