A man’s been stabbed to death in Bristol – with a manhunt ongoing for the perpetrator.
The victim was seriously injured by a man with a knife in Stapleton Road, close to the junction with St Marks Road, at around 5.40pm yesterday (Friday, 20 September).
Police officers, who were nearby when it happened, provided first aid and requested backup.
The man received urgent treatment from ambulance crews and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity critical care medics on scene. He was rushed to Southmead Hospital for further care, but he later died of his injuries.
Officers carried out “extensive” searches for the suspect – with the support of the National Police Air Service helicopter. As part of the manhunt, a man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and is currently in custody.
Stapleton Road is closed between the train station and Robertson Road while forensic work is carried out.
A white and yellow tent has been erected where the victim was stabbed, and last night crime scene investigators photographed the area.
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.”
Supt Runacres continued: “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.”
Witnesses, or any motorists who were in the Stapleton Road area at about 5.40pm yesterday and have dashcam, are asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5224248976.
Alternatively 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.
