Bath stabbing: Eleven teens arrested after boy, 16, killed

BBC Emergency services at Eastfield AvenueBBC
A murder investigation has been launched

Eleven teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy at a party in Somerset.

Emergency services were called to an address on Eastfield Avenue, in Bath, just after 23:00 BST on Saturday.

Six boys and two girls, aged between 15 and 17, were initially arrested on board a bus half an hour after the stabbing was reported, police said.

Three more teenage boys were arrested on Sunday, detectives added.

Avon and Somerset Police said all teenagers - including the eight arrested on the bus travelling on Lansdown Lane at 23:30 - remain in police custody.

A 35-year-old woman was also stabbed but has been discharged from hospital, the force added.

Members of the public provided the boy with first aid before paramedics arrived but he died at the scene.

Eastfield Avenue road sign
Emergency services were called to Eastfield Avenue on Saturday evening

In an updated statement on Sunday, Ch Insp Ronald Lungu, of the Bath Neighbourhood Team, said: "Understanding what happened last night and why is the utmost priority of officers working on this investigation, as they look to provide answers to the boy's family.

"Specialist liaison officers are now in place and have informed the boy's parents of this latest development. Our thoughts continue to be with them at this sad time."

He added: "Detectives continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed what happened, as well as anyone who has relevant phone, dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact them."

A post-mortem examination to determine the cause of the boy's death will take place in due course, police said.

Police presence at Eastfield Avenue
The six boys and two girls being held are aged between 15 and 17

A large cordon was put in place on Eastfield Avenue throughout Sunday while police carried out their investigation.

"We've identified a number of witnesses and we'll be taking formal statements from them in due course," Ch Insp Lungu said earlier on Sunday.

"The community can expect to see a significant police presence in the area for the next few days, while officers and police staff carry out a number of actions including forensic examinations, a review of CCTV footage and house-to-house inquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force.

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