Murder investigation launched after death of man in Bristol

A man has died following a serious assault in east Bristol yesterday (Friday 20 September).

We understand he was stabbed by a man at approximately 5.40pm in Stapleton Road.

Officers in the area at the time began first aid treatment and contacted the control room to request further units attend, who arrived a few minutes later.

The man received critical care from paramedics at the scene before being transported to Southmead Hospital. Sadly he was pronounced deceased in hospital later in the evening.

The formal identification process needs to be completed and efforts to ensure all members of his family are informed as soon as possible are being prioritised.

A forensic post-mortem examination will be carried out this weekend.

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. Arrest attempts are continuing.

One man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and is in custody.

Stapleton Road is closed between the train station and Robertson Road while forensics work is carried out. We appreciate the closure has a significant impact on the community and are prioritising that work to allow the road to be reopened as soon as possible.

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.