Bristol stabbing: Tributes paid as teenage victims, aged 15 and 16, named

Police have named two teenagers who died after being stabbed in Bristol.

In a statement, the force said that Mason Rist, 15, was killed during the attack in Ilminster Avenue, in Knowle West, at about 11.20pm on Saturday.

The statement added that police believe the other victim is Max Dixon, 16, although formal identification has yet to be completed.

Officers have now made a total of four arrests following the stabbing: a 44-year-old man and 15-year-old boy, a 20-year-old man and a 22-year-old man.

The force said further suspects are being sought in relation to the attack and it is not yet known whether the attackers and victims were known to each other.

Officers are keen to speak to passengers who were on a double-decker bus that was travelling past as the attack happened.

A vigil was held where the boys were stabbed on Sunday evening, with people lighting candles and placing flowers.

Tributes included flowers with “Mason + Max Rest in Peace” written on them, a sign stating “Stop knife crime RIP boys” and a note from Oasis Academy John Williams reading: “In loving memory of Mason and Max, gone but never forgotten”.

The fatal stabbing of the boys was not rooted in a “gang war”, police believe.

Bristol area commander Superintendent Mark Runacres, of Avon and Somerset Police, told reporters at the scene: “Bristol is a large city, and it’s described by many as a city made up of many villages.

“There are people who have pride in the neighbourhoods that they come from and that’s part of their identity, but I don’t believe that this is rooted in a gang war.”

He said he could not confirm whether the suspects and victims were known to each other or whether the killings were a case of mistaken identity.

He said: “That is something that we are continuing to investigate to understand any links that do exist.”

Detectives have not recovered any weapons.

“Any death is awful, but the loss of Mason and Max, who had their whole lives in front of them, is particularly tragic and my heart breaks for the families who have to endure such unimaginable pain and suffering. Our thoughts remain with them during this time", Supt Mark Runacres said.

“We have a team of highly professional, dedicated officers who are working 24/7 to identify those involved in this dreadful incident and bring them to justice. Our specialist family liaison officers continue to support and update the families and informed them earlier about the arrests we’ve made today.

“The devastation felt by the community following this incident is clear. More than 150 people attended a vigil near the scene yesterday evening while there was also a large turnout at a residents’ meeting earlier today.

“I’d like to reassure everyone of our commitment to working with residents, our partners in the council, staff in schools and the many others in the wider community.

“Our investigation is progressing well, with four people arrested so far and more arrests are to come. We are committed to doing everything we can to hold to account those responsible for this horrendous crime and to provide answers to Max’s and Mason’s families.

"I understand the impact this incident has caused people. I'm a dad myself and it makes me reflect on the safety of my children", he said.

"But we’ve also seen the strength of community that exists through this part of the city."

Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, said the incident was a “tragic loss of life”.

“I’m thinking of the victims and their families, going through a pain that no parent should have to experience,” he said.

“We will do all we can to support the families and the local community, working with the police."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the two deaths as “devastating”.

“My reaction to what happened in Bristol starts with the human reaction,” he said.

“This is devastating for the family and friends of these two youngsters. I have teenage children myself, I cannot even imagine what it’s like for the family and friends.”

Anyone with information about the incident or with any relevant footage has been asked to contact 101 and quote reference 5224023382.

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