Teenage boy, 16, stabbed to death Valentine's Day named

16 February 2024 , 17:38

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Darrien Williams has been named as the 16-year-old boy who died (Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)

A 16-year-old boy who died after being stabbed by two masked attackers in Bristol on Wednesday evening has been named, Avon and Somerset Police have said.

While formal identification has yet to take place, they believe the victim is Darrien Williams who was attacked in Rawnsley Park in Easton on Valentine's Day. After the incident, it's believed the injured teenager ran to nearby Stapleton Road where he was helped by a motorist before collapsing in West Street, a ten-minute walk away in Old Market. Yesterday evening, two boys, both aged 15, were arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in police custody while enquiries are ongoing.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Insp Neil Meade said: “We are working non-stop to fully establish the circumstances around Darrien’s death and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. The loss of another young life is devastating and my thoughts are with Darrien’s family. I would like to thank everyone who has come forward with information so far and encourage anyone who has information but has yet to speak to us to do so as soon as possible.”

The scene in Rawnsley Park, Bristol where a 16-year-old was stabbed to death (Tom Wren / SWNS)

Bristol has been hit by a wave of violence in recent weeks, so has now enhanced stop and search powers in parts of the city. Two teenagers, Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, were stabbed to death in the Knowle West area of the city on January 27. Police said there is “nothing to indicate” Wednesday’s stabbing was linked to the one in Knowle West, but said detectives are still looking at whether it was linked to other incidents.

A 16-year-old boy was critically wounded in a stabbing at a Bristol city centre McDonald’s on February 8, while other incidents have involved children and young people being injured, including a 14-year-old boy on February 4 and a 20-year-old man on Wednesday. In July, Eddie Kinuthia, 19, died in hospital after being stabbed in a Bristol park just metres from his home.

Person dies after being pulled from water in public park by firefighters

A new police operation targeting youth violence has also been launched across the policing area. Officers have also met with headteachers today to discuss ways in which police can provide support and reassurance ahead of pupils’ return from half-term and officers will be making extra patrols outside of schools next week. A mobile police station will also be in the area over the coming days.

Rachel Hagan