Murder investigation launched after man dies in aggravated burglary in Bristol

Police are investigating whether an armed burglary in Bristol that left one man dead and two others seriously injured is linked to drugs.

Officers were called to a block of flats in Prewett Street, in the Redcliffe area of the city at around 1am on Monday morning after reports a burglary was in progress.

Emergency services found several injured people at the house, including a man who later died at the scene.

Two other victims have been taken to hospital, where they are being treated for “life-changing” injuries.

Two men from London, aged 25 and 37, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.

All three victims are also thought to been from the London area.

Inspector Martin Rowland, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, says police are investigating if the attack had been linked to drugs and organised crime.

“It is being considered as part of our inquiry,” Inspector Rowland says. “Things like county lines and drugs.”

He also declined to comment on if a murder weapon had been recovered, but said “items had been seized” from the scene.

“Two males have life-changing injuries, and one male was sadly pronounced dead,” he added.

“It was a shocking and very distressing incident but it is still incredibly rare. The pieces of the puzzle are still being put together.”

Roads around the property were cordoned off on Monday morning to allow for forensic investigations to take place.

Police say closures are likely to remain in place for an extended period of time while investigators examined the area.

“It is obviously very shocking, I have had residents from the area that are concerned and frightened by what has happened,” Paul Smith, councillor for the area and cabinet member for housing on Bristol City Council, told The Independent.

“I am aware that there are some problems with drugs on the wider estate and the police are aware also aware of that and acting when necessary.

“But it is an area that is usually very safe to walk through any time of the day, I have never felt worried about going there.”

A forensic tent and screen have been erected outside the residential flats where the incident took place and investigators were seen taking photographs and loading evidence bags into their vehicles.

Uniformed officers have been carrying out searches of nearby roads and a black Mercedes saloon car that had come to a halt in the middle of Prewett Street was also being carefully examined.

“We deployed a significant number of resources to this incident and as a result, we’ve apprehended two men who ran away from the scene when we arrived,” said Andrew Mott, senior investigating officer for Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

“This is now a murder inquiry and the public will see a significantly increased police presence in the area with detectives and staff examining the scene and neighbourhood officers conducting extra reassurance patrols.

“Early indications are that this appears to be an isolated incident but I’d urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of the neighbourhood officers.”

Additional reporting by agencies