Police are keeping “an open mind” whether the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy in Bristol by two masked individuals is linked to other recent attacks in the city.
The killing of the 16-year-old, who has not been named, happened in the St Philips area on Wednesday evening and the attackers fled on bicycles, Avon and Somerset Police said.
After being attacked in Rawnsley Park, the teenager ran to Stapleton Road – where a driver helped him – before he collapsed on West Street.
Ambulances were called but he died at the scene and a murder investigation is under way.
There are currently no suspects, the force confirmed.
It comes weeks after Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, died after being stabbed in the Knowle West area of the city, with several people charged with murder in the case.
Police said there is “nothing to indicate” the stabbings were connected but detectives are still investigating if it was linked to other incidents.
Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres said: “We are keeping an open mind as to whether last night’s tragedy is linked to other recent assaults.”
The force were given the green light to conduct additional stop and searches for 24 hours from 5pm on Thursday – but this could be extended to a maximum of 48 hours.
It is a decision the police say they have not “taken lightly” given the “fear” around stop and searches in certain communities.
Speaking earlier on Thursday, Supt Runacres said: “Tragically, we have lost another young life from our city in utterly horrific circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at what will be an unimaginably difficult time and officers will continue to support them.
“We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and we will be working tirelessly to that end.”
The police force said the tragedy was “a stark reminder of the horrific impact knife crime has on our communities”.
Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, said his thoughts were with the victim’s family.
Posting on X, he said: “This needs to stop. We will make every effort to support the family, the police and local community at this time.”
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The A420 was closed between West Street and the Lawrence Hill roundabout, but reopened overnight.
However, a cordon remains in place in Rawnsley Park where the boy was attacked, and there are increased patrols in the area.
Formal identification has not yet taken place but the victim’s family has been informed.
A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, police said.