Eleven men now detained as police arrest two more on suspicion of attempted murder after Bristol knife attack which left two people in hospital
Eleven men have now been detained as police arrest two more people after a knife attack in Bristol today.
All of the men are currently being held in custody tonight on suspicion of attempted murder following the early morning knifing.
Two young men were rushed to hospital after being attacked at around 4.40am in the Easton area of the city.
Avon and Somerset Police said the men, aged in their 20s, suffered knife injuries, with one of them still in a serious condition. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Investigating officers are appealing to the public for information. They are urging witnesses or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to get in touch immediately.
Forensic officers comb the junction at Easton Way and Stapleton Road in Bristol following an early morning knifing
Police and forensics at the scene of the crime. Eleven people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
Supt Lisa Simpson said: 'We do not underestimate the concerns of the local community following this recent incident of knife crime and serious violence in Bristol.'
Stop and search powers have been strengthened in certain parts of the city for 24 hours from 7pm tonight.
It will allow uniformed cops to stop and search any person or vehicle if they suspect they might be carrying any weapons.
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Scott Hill said: 'This is a significant incident and I am conscious there have been a number of similar incidents of this nature over the past few months.
'I also understand there is a great deal of concern among the community around knife crime. We remain dedicated to reducing serious violence and knife crime, especially among young people. Earlier this year, we launched a proactive operation targeting serious violence and knife crime and we are working closely with partners to identify and tackle the root causes.
'A police cordon remains in place in Beaumont Terrace and Rawnsley Park and officers will be providing an increased high-visibility presence in the area over the coming days.
'If you have any concerns or questions, please do speak to our officers out on patrol.'
Avon and Somerset Police added: 'If you were in the Stapleton Road / Rawnsley Park area between 4.15-5am this morning and witnessed anything suspicious, or have any video footage which could aid our enquiries, please call us. If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224148270, or complete our online appeals form.
'You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.'
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Scott Hill said: 'This is a significant incident and I am conscious there have been a number of similar incidents of this nature over the past few months'
Stop and search powers have been strengthened in certain parts of the city (pictured above within the red line) for 24 hours from 7pm tonight
Teenagers Mason Rist (left) and Max Dixon (right) were stabbed to death in Bristol in January. Bristol has faced a devastating wave of knife-related crimes involving children since the start of the year
Anti-knife campaigner Leanne Reynolds at a vigil she organised for Max Dixon and Mason Rist were stabbed to death in Bristol last January. Speaking to Sky News in March she said: 'There's been a spike in serious violence. I'm a parent and I'm scared, so I'm trying to get these kits into schools and other organisations in Bristol and across the southwest'
An emergency bleed control kit in Manchester. Schools in Bristol have been offered bleed kits which contain items such as pads and bandages and can be used by pupils to stop blood loss before paramedics can arrive
Since the start of the year, Bristol has faced a devastating wave of knife-related crimes involving children in the city. In January, two boys 16-year-old Max Dixon and 15-year-old Mason Rist were stabbed to death.
Then in February, a boy, 16, was stabbed to death in a Bristol park.
Following the bout of knife attacks, schoolchildren in the city have been showed how to use bleed kits. The kits contain items such as pads and bandages and can be used by pupils to stop blood loss before paramedics can arrive.
Anti-knife campaigner Leanne Reynolds was tasked with showing the children how to use the kits. Ms Reynolds has been promoting the kits since the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Dontae Davis in 2021.
Speaking to Sky News in March she said: 'There's been a spike in serious violence. I'm a parent and I'm scared, so I'm trying to get these kits into schools and other organisations in Bristol and across the southwest.
'They could potentially save a life or limb before the ambulance gets there to take over.'
