Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Three more arrests made in connection with Bristol murders

Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, were stabbed following an incident in Ilminster Avenue, Knowle West on Saturday night.

Rod Minchin
Wednesday 31 January 2024 12:02 GMT
Flowers and tributes near to the scene in south Bristol where two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, died after a stabbing attack by a group of people who fled the scene in a car. Picture date: Monday January 29, 2024.
Flowers and tributes near to the scene in south Bristol where two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, died after a stabbing attack by a group of people who fled the scene in a car. Picture date: Monday January 29, 2024. (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Three more arrests have been made by detectives investigating the deaths of two teenagers in Bristol, police said.

Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, were stabbed following an incident in Ilminster Avenue, Knowle West on Saturday night.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of murder while a 46-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

All three are currently in police custody.

Avon and Somerset Police said the total number of people arrested as part of the inquiry was now eight.

The others arrested are:

– a 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been bailed with conditions, including to not enter Bristol.

– a 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

– a 44-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

– a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. He remains in custody.

– a 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. He has been released with no further action in relation to the murder offence and bailed in relation to the offensive weapon offence.

Superintendent Mark Runacres, Bristol’s policing commander, said: “Detectives from the major crime investigation team are making significant progress with their inquiry and these arrests reflect this.

“Mason’s and Max’s families have been updated and specialist family liaison officers continue to provide them with support.”

Police have previously said they did not believe the stabbings were rooted in a “gang war”.

Detectives do not yet know whether the suspects and victims were known to each other, or whether the boys died in a case of mistaken identity.

Local residents went to help the teenagers and police were on the scene in minutes to provide first aid.

The boys sustained stab wounds and were taken to two hospitals, Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, by ambulance, where they died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A vigil was held at the scene of the stabbings on Sunday evening, with people lighting candles and placing flowers.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in