What we know about fatal Bristol stabbing

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed to death in Bristol.

A 30-year-old man was fatally injured in an “altercation” on Tuesday evening and was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary, where he later died. Police confirmed a 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Avon and Somerset Police said they do not believe the incident poses a wider risk to the public and are asking for the public’s help with any information or footage relating to it. A cordon remains in place in the area.

The victims' relatives have been notified about his death, which follows three recent fatal stabbings in Bristol, and comes on the day a knife-crime campaign was launched in the city.

What we know

Avon and Somerset Police said they received a report of a man being taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary with a stab wound at around 8.30pm. The incident is believed to have taken place near the junction of Ashley Road and Grosvenor Road in St Pauls, where a cordon remains.

The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Superintendent Mark Runacres, Bristol policing commander, said: “Despite the best efforts of medical professionals at the hospital, a 30-year-old man has tragically died.

“Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with the man’s loved ones at this time, who have been notified of his death. Specially-trained family liaison officers will be supporting them.”

Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) are carrying out enquiries into the incident which follows the recent fatal stabbings of Darrian Williams, 16, in Easton, and Mason Rist, 15, and 16-year-old Max Dixon in Knowle West in January.

The latest death came as a new knife crime campaign launched, in the form of an open letter to Bristol demanding an end to the "scourge of knife crime". The open letter's main aims were to set up a task force and lobby the government “to get knives off the streets”.

Runacres added: “We do believe there is no wider risk to the public as a result of this incident; however, we recognise the concern recent events are causing and the negative light this is shining on our city. We are aware of today’s launch of a joint media campaign on this issue and will not shy away from taking every necessary step to prevent serious violence.”

West of England mayor Dan Norris has offered his sympathies to families after "another fatal stabbing" in the city.

What we don't know

Police have not publicly named the victim of the stabbing, or the man who was arrested on suspicion of murder. We do not know the details of the incident and it is not clear whether those involved knew one other.

Police confirmed an increased police presence in the area over the coming days while forensic searches, CCTV trawls and witness statements are taken.

Detectives urgently want to speak to anyone in the Ashley Road or Grosvenor Road area on Tuesday evening who saw anything suspicious or has any dashcam or CCTV footage that may help their enquiries. To get in touch, please contact 101 and quote reference 5224057887.

Avon and Somerset Police said they launched a proactive operation three weeks ago following a spate of stabbings that will see a dedicated team of officers and staff carry out a wide range of activities and tactics to counter knife crime.

What residents say

Locals at the scene of the stabbing expressed their shock at another death in the city. Sarah Smith, 67, a business owner and councillor, said: "It's right across Bristol. This has been going on for a long time.”

Maryam, 35, who works in education and has just moved to the area, added: “It’s a bit saddening to be honest when there’s a stabbing because you just think it’s going to create disharmony."

Mustafa Abdullah, 39, said: “We live across, and we received information from the police and they said someone’s been stabbed. It’s been six (recent stabbings) it’s really scary and feels like it's happening every day.

“It can be me next. It’s really scary. It’s getting too much - it’s really bad. I feel like it has got less safe to live in Bristol."

Ruth Robertson, 43, a former teacher, added: "I’ve got an 11-year-old and this kind of situation makes me not want to walk home at night. It makes me not want to let him go out. He’s got his mates, but it shouldn’t be on [them] to walk him home. It shouldn’t even have to be a consideration that your kid will get stabbed on their way to or from school.

“We just live around the corner. It's only about a 10-minute walk. But still, it's like, make sure you come home before dark.”