Bristol stabbings: Fifth arrest over fatal attack on boys

A fifth man has been arrested over the stabbings of two teenagers, police investigating the murders say.

Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, died after an attack in Ilminster Avenue, in the Knowle West area of Bristol, at about 23:20 GMT on Saturday.

A 26-year-old man was arrested overnight on suspicion of assisting an offender, a police spokesman said.

A 20-year-old man and a 22-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday afternoon.

A 15-year-old boy and a 44-year-old-man were also arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday.

The 15-year-old has been bailed with conditions, including to not enter Bristol, but the remaining four are still in custody.

Bristol Police Commander Supt Mark Runacres, who is leading the murder investigation, said the inquiry was "progressing rapidly".

"While they [the investigating team] are only three days into the inquiry, they have already completed a huge amount of work," he said.

"Already 253 exhibits have been seized, including weapons.

"A dedicated team is also reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage while specialist officers from neighbouring forces have also been brought in to assist in order to ensure no stone is left unturned," he added.

Supt Runacres added: "It is difficult to get your head around what motivated people to come into any part of the city, armed such as they were, and carry out such a reprehensible attack."

He said the force has more than 100 officers involved in the investigation and they are working 24/7 to find the suspects.

"The arrests reflect that we are building a full picture of what happened and I hope it is only a matter of time before we are able to provide Mason's and Max's families with the answers they deserve."

He added: "We have officers across South Bristol and we're committed to supporting people deal with this horrific incident but also with any concerns they may have in the weeks and months ahead."

The boys, who the local community have described as much-loved, were attacked by a number of people, sustaining serious stab wounds.

They were taken to separate hospitals - Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children - but died hours later.

GoFundMe pages have been set up to help with funeral costs, raising more than £10,000 so far.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Supt Runacres said he did not believe the deaths were linked to "gang warfare".

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

On Sunday, about 200 people attended a vigil in Ilminster Avenue. Members of the community came to light candles and lay flowers.

Victoria Boomer-Clark, principal of Oasis Academy John Williams which Max and Mason attended, said the pair were "popular, fun loving and good friends".

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, she said pupils held a minute's silence at the school.

"It was such an emotional experience for everybody," she said.

"I have been absolutely humbled and blown away by their [pupils] responses. They have been respectful, thoughtful and supporting one another."

Bristol Rovers Football Club has shared its "sincere condolences" to family and friends.

The club said on social media: "Bristol is a special city and it's time for us all to make a stand against knife crime to ensure that everyone within our communities are safe."

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]