Two teenagers stabbed to death in Bristol are being cited as a vigil

Two teenagers who died in a fatal knife attack in Bristol have been named locally.

The boys, named Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, were attacked in Ilminster Avene, Knowle West, by a group who later fled the scene in a car at around 11.20pm on Saturday.

A 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and are in custody.

The police say they are also looking for “other suspects”.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said on Sunday: “Police arrived at the scene within minutes of the initial call and did what they could to provide first aid.”

“The victims suffered stab wounds and were taken by ambulance to two hospitals – Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children – where they sadly died in the early hours of this morning.

“An investigation into the incident is being led by our major criminal investigations team. Two arrests have already been made – a 44-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy. They remain in police custody.

“A vehicle was also confiscated.

“Formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place and a forensic post-mortem will be carried out in due course.”

Bristol Commander-in-Chief Mark Runacres told a news conference: “Other suspects are being sought in the group who we believe are responsible.”

Investigators are keen to speak to passengers on a bus that was on Ilminster Avenue at the time of the attack.

A vigil was held near the crime scene on Sunday, with people lighting candles and laying flowers for the victims.

Commander Superintendent Runacres said: “This is an incredibly shocking and tragic incident in which two young boys who had their whole lives ahead of them have sadly died.”

“Our shared thoughts are with their families at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time. Families will now be assigned specialist family liaison officers to support them and keep them informed of the investigation.

“A cordon is in place on Ilminster Avenue between Newquay Road and Tavistock Road and the public can expect a large police presence as forensic searches and other investigations are carried out.

“There are a significant number of properties within the cordon and we would like to apologize for the disruption caused but hope people understand the importance of the work being carried out.”

“House-to-house interviews are underway and CCTV and doorbell footage continues to be collected.

“We have also identified several witnesses from whom we will be taking statements. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking to passengers on a bus that was on Ilminster Avenue at the time of the incident.

“The neighborhood policing team will set up a mobile police station near the crime scene. We encourage anyone with concerns or questions to contact one of the officers. High visibility patrols will also be conducted to provide reassurance to the community.”