Stapleton Road assault: Everything we know so far about fatal street attack


A crime scene investigation has been taking place in Bristol since Friday evening following a serious assault that took place in broad daylight and left a man dead. Stapleton Road has now been closed for nearly 24 hours while forensics officers look for evidence in what is now being treated as a murder inquiry.

A manhunt is taking place to find the assailant who stabbed the victim, leaving him fatally injured. Police officers who were first to the scene of the crime immediately began administered first aid and called for backup.

Paramedics provided critical care in Stapleton Road before the victim was taken to Southmead Hospital. However, despite medics' best efforts, he was pronounced dead later that evening. One man has been arrested in relation to the incident but this is not the murder suspect.

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A forensic post-mortem examination will be carried out this weekend as the formal identification process needs to be completed. Avon and Somerset police are aiming to ensure all members of his family are informed as soon as possible.

Last night extensive searches of the east Bristol area were carried out to locate the offender by uniformed officers, with assistance from the National Police Air Service. One man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and is in custody.

Stapleton Road was shut down in both directions after police and paramedics raced to the scene of a violent attack at around 5.45pm on Friday, September 20. At the time of writing at 4.20pm on Saturday, September 21, the road remains closed to traffic and drivers are being advised to avoid the area. A cordon remains in place in Stapleton Road.

Officers have issued a plea to the public, asking them not to share any video content of the incident online. BristolLive understands that footage purporting to be of the attack has been circulating.

On Friday night, extensive searches of the east Bristol area were carried out to locate the offender by uniformed officers, with assistance from the National Police Air Service. One man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and is in custody.

Stapleton Road has been closed
Stapleton Road has been closed -Credit:Paul Gillis/Reach PLC

Two tents have been put up in Stapleton Road, which runs through Lawrence Hill and Easton, to preserve the integrity of the crime scene from the elements as Bristol has seen heavy rainfall today. Police officers remain at the scene and forensic work is continuing today, Saturday, September 21.

On Saturday afternoon, Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres said: "Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the loved ones of this man, who will receive support from a specially-trained officer and will be kept updated as our investigation progresses.

"A murder inquiry has been launched and is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team. A large amount of CCTV has already been reviewed to further our understanding of what happened and those efforts are continuing today.

"There is no place for violence on Bristol’s streets and we are committed to working with partners around this issue. We want the community to understand that we are here to help them.

"We understand such tragic news is hugely distressing and therefore there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days with more patrols carried out, not because we’re aware of any increased risk, but because we want to make sure you can approach us to raise any concerns.

"Stapleton Road is a busy place at the best of times, especially early on a Friday evening. We are grateful to those people who have already spoken to police and told us what they saw and we’d urge anyone else with information to please contact us as soon as possible.

"We know there were some people filming in the area too and we’d wish to hear from anyone who has footage that could be relevant to our investigation. Out of respect to the family and friends of the man who has sadly died, we’d please ask no insensitive footage is published on social media."

The police are appealing for witnesses, or any motorists who were in the Stapleton Road area at about 5.40pm yesterday and have dashcam to call 101 and quote reference number 5224248976. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via its website to provide information anonymously. They will not ask your name and you will not have to attend court.

We are running a live blog and will keep you updated via this link.