Man dies after being ‘attacked by armed mob’ in the street as police arrest seven people on suspicion of murder

One man was killed and seven people were arrested on suspicion of murder in a street attack by an armed group.

The man, in his forties, was found seriously injured in Bristol on Monday and sadly died yesterday morning.

It comes after officers encountered a group of men, some believed to be armed with bladed weapons, on Stapleton Road at around 10.45pm on Monday.

Seven men, aged between 18 and 29, were detained, searched and arrested after being pursued on foot in and around Trinity Walk and George Jones Park.

At around 10.55pm on Monday, the man was found seriously injured a short distance away on Stapleton Road, near the junction with Trinity Road.

The person was later taken to hospital for treatment, but his injuries were stated to be irreparable.

Police launched a murder investigation after all seven people in custody were re-arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder.

Police cordons remain in place and investigations, including forensic work and CCTV checks, are being carried out.

Police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to identify those responsible for the man’s death.

Forensic officers were seen combing the park and surrounding streets this afternoon, looking at fences and bins in an extensive search for clues.

They also confirm that those arrested will be questioned to form a comprehensive picture of what happened.

Residents said they saw a heavy police presence around the park on Tuesday morning, with one mother saying she ‘didn’t feel safe’ living in the area.

He said: ‘This is worrying, it’s definitely not ideal.

‘I don’t feel safe living here, especially with my children. ‘Police are everywhere today.’

Phil is staying with a friend who has lived here for 15 years and is a regular.

He said: ‘It feels like there’s something going on in the park, it feels like you see police there every week. You hear constant shouting coming from the park, so you block it out.

Police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to identify those responsible for the man’s death.

‘What’s going on today seems pretty important.’

A neighbor who lives across the park and did not want to give his name said that when he woke up around 08:00 in the morning, he saw the police and that the police were searching the park and its surroundings.

‘We want to understand why this happened,’ he said. ‘I’ve lived here for a long time, over 30 years, so it doesn’t scare me, but something like this shouldn’t happen.’

Inspector Deepak Kenth said: ‘The man’s next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this devastating time. They will be supported by specially trained family liaison officers and kept informed of developments in our investigation.

‘This murder investigation is still in its early stages and we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to identify the person or persons responsible.

‘Seven people were arrested last night before the man’s death and they will be questioned over the coming hours as we build a comprehensive picture of what happened.

‘We would appeal to anyone with information, no matter how trivial it may seem, to come forward.

‘We know the community will be shocked and deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy and we will have additional officers in the area to provide reassurance over the coming days. If you have any concerns please speak to any of these officers as they will be happy to assist you.’

Any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the area are asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5226030731 to police.

Alternatively, people can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the website.