Bristol parents urged 'keep kids in school' after stabbings

A joint letter has been sent by the police and the mayor to all schools in Bristol, following the fatal stabbings of three teenagers in three weeks.

The letter advises families to continue sending their children to school, and promises more police patrols in the coming days.

Last month, Max Dixon, 15, and Mason Rist,16, were killed while Darrian Williams, 16, died last week.

It has been left to schools to decide if they share the letter with parents.

The letter, addressed to parents and carers, was sent by Bristol commander Supt Mark Runacres, for Avon and Somerset Police, and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees.

In the letter, they say they are aware parents will be "shocked" at the death of another young man and that "you will unite with us sending all our thoughts to Darrian's family at this terrible time".

They go on to explain that temporary increased powers to stop and search were in place across much of the city on Friday and Saturday and even though these have now ended, officers can still stop and search people if there are "reasonable suspicions that someone may be carrying something illegal".

The letter urges parents to keep sending their children to school as it is "important your child continues to attend school".

And add that regular meetings with head teachers are taking place, to "make sure appropriate support and safeguarding arrangements are in place".

People should expect to see extra police patrols near schools over the coming days, the letter adds, also offering advice on how to talk to children about the recent violence.

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