Northampton: Boy, 16, stabbed to death is named by police

Detectives investigating the death of a teenage boy fatally stabbed have named him as 16-year-old Rohan Shand.

Rohan, who was known as Fred to his family and friends, died following an incident in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, on Wednesday at 15:35 GMT.

A post-mortem examination indicated the teenager from Northampton died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Four males aged 49, 21, 16 and 14 were arrested and continue to be questioned in connection with his death.

Northamptonshire Police said specially trained officers were supporting the boy's family.

The force has requested that "people refrain from sharing insensitive posts and images on social media which are likely to cause additional distress to the family".

Det Insp Simon Barnes said: "This is an exceptionally sad and tragic incident and understandably has had a huge impact on the neighbourhood and wider community."

Helen Freeman, who lives in Kingsthorpe, said her son had been friends with the victim "since they were five" and went to primary and secondary school together.

She described Fred as "funny" and said he was very popular.

"It's devastating to see your child so upset. I don't think I've seen my son cry as much as he did last night, but his mates have been there for him," she said.

Ms Freeman, 55, said parents "have been messaging each other" to help with support for themselves and their children.

Nearby Kingsthorpe College said did not open on Thursday due to an "ongoing incident in the community".

It will be open for Year 11 pupils only on Friday between 11:00 and 13:15, where students "will follow a programme and support will be available".

A police cordon was put up in Harborough Road, between the junction with The Cock Hotel and Waitrose.

The road was later opened to traffic with a lane closed near to the police incident tent.

At about 15:00 around 100 teenagers gathered at the scene, while West Northamptonshire Council said it held a minute's silence before its full council meeting.

Tributes have been left at the site of the incident and Kingsthorpe resident Sally MacPherson, 49, said: "Everyone has been absolutely devastated, it's horrific.

"You just never know... there has been such a spate of knife crime. You just want your kids to get home safely."

Another resident Nyasha Mdemera, 43, said: "This is a big shock that it happened so close.

"This is a busy area, busy road and it happened so quickly."

Northamptonshire Police said it believed this was "an isolated incident".

Det Insp Barnes said that although arrests had been made, the force was still appealing for witnesses, and an increased police presence would also remain in the area.

An appeal to raise money towards Fred's funeral has already collected more that £10,000.

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