Two teenage boys died in the early hours of the morning on January 28, after being attacked on the street of Ilminster Avenue in the Knowle West area of Bristol on Saturday night. Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, succumbed to their injuries inflicted by stab wounds a few hours after being taken to both Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children shortly after the attack that happened just after 11 pm. People ran out of their houses to try and help Dixon and Rist, but despite efforts, both boys unfortunately died.
In the last few days, over five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder or suspicion of conspiring to murder. Most of the suspects are males between the ages of 15 and 44, with one female suspect aged 46. However, a few have been released from custody.
Avon and Somerset Police have ruled out the deaths as a result of gang involvement, and are unsure as to whether the victims knew the suspects or if it was a case of mistaken identity. The police have also said that Max and Mason were attacked by multiple people who then fled the scene in a car. A murder investigation has been launched to get to the bottom of this horrific crime.
Superintendent Mark Runacres said in a statement confirming the boys’ identity that “a team of highly professional, dedicated officers who are working 24/7 to identify those involved in this dreadful incident and bring them to justice.”
He also remarked, “Any death is awful, but the loss of Mason and Max, who had their whole lives in front of them, is particularly tragic and my heart breaks for the families who have to endure such unimaginable pain and suffering. Our thoughts remain with them during this time.” Police are currently collecting CCTV and doorbell footage on the street where the stabbings occurred.
On Sunday, a vigil was held where the teenagers were attacked, with over 150 people in attendance. Max’s mother, Leanne Ekland, paid tribute to her son on Facebook, saying that her family are “Devastated” and that their “lives will never be the same” before thanking police and locals for their help and support.
Mason’s sister, Kayleigh, also wrote on Facebook, “My baby brother… One of a kind you are. You sleep tight. A beautiful, kind soul gone. Just taken. 16 years so young and innocent, oh my heart is broken. I really hope you know how much we love you. How much I love you. You will be missed kiddo, I’ll always look out for you in every sunset, shine bright lil’ bro.”
Both boys attended Oasis Academy John Williams secondary school, located about a mile from Ilminster Avenue. The Knowle West area of Bristol is one of the most economically deprived places in the city, a local shop owner, Jonathan Gill, stated “Our street is not safe at all” and recalled how unsafe residents felt. In 2022, it was found that Bristol’s crime rate was 98 crimes per 1000 people. In the last few years, knife crime has been at an all-time high in the city, even being branded as an epidemic. There is also a big gang culture in Bristol, especially in areas like Knowle West.
Edited by Chloe Mansola
Image ‘car police crime emergency vehicle’ by PxHere licensed by CC0 1.0
Share This Post On
0 comments
Leave a comment
You need to login to leave a comment. Log-in
