‘Unsettling night’ for community after man dies and teenager injured in stabbing
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The death of a man in a stabbing at a skate park that also left a teenage boy in a critical condition has been “unsettling” for the close-knit community in Northampton, a councillor has said.
The number of arrests in connection with a murder investigation, which was launched by Northamptonshire Police after emergency services were called to the park at Ringway in the Briar Hill area at 3.45pm on Wednesday, has reached seven, Chief Inspector Kim Jackson has confirmed.
Police were called following reports that two people had been stabbed “during an altercation” and a man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene, while a teenage boy was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
On Thursday, a large section of green space around the skate park remained cordoned off, with around six forensic officers appearing to search the area.
In a statement at the scene, Chief Inspector Jackson said four teenage boys, aged 17, 16, 15 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and a man aged 35 and a female aged 33 have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
A man aged 56 is also understood to have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Chief Inspector Jackson said it was a “complex and fast-paced” investigation and urged people with information to come forward, no matter how small.
She said: “The death of someone in such violent circumstances is always tragic and my thoughts are with the loved ones and family of the man that has died as well as the teenager who remains in hospital.”
She added: “As the local police chief inspector I know Briar Hill is a tight-knit community and that people will be shocked at what happened.
“I want to take the opportunity to thank the people who assisted the emergency services yesterday afternoon.”
Independent West Northamptonshire councillor Julie Davenport told the Press Association the incident was “unsettling” and rare in the community of Briar Hill.
She said: “It has been a very unsettling night for everyone in Briar Hill and the wider area because this type of crime is rare in this close-knit community.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those involved in this incident. One moment of anger can change so many people’s lives forever.”
Mark Arnull, the leader of West Northamptonshire Council, added: “This is a deeply saddening and tragic incident and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
“We are liaising with police colleagues to ensure our community is fully supported during this difficult time. With investigations under way it would be inappropriate to make further comment.”
Detective Chief Inspector Torie Harrison, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said it was a “tragic incident” and her thoughts remain with the families of the people involved.
She said: “We know incidents of this nature can be a cause of concern within the neighbourhood and wider community, and I would like to offer our reassurance that we have a team of dedicated officers working at pace to establish what has happened.
“High-visibility police patrols will be taking place in the area to reassure the local community, and I would encourage anyone with concerns in the area to approach one of our officers who will be happy to help.
“Arrests were promptly made, and inquiries are continuing to move at a fast pace, however I would still appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information who has not yet come forward to please do so.”
Officers said the police cordon is expected to remain in place at the park as the investigation continues, and several roads are affected by the incident, with people urged to avoid the area where possible.
“In addition to house-to-house inquiries, an increased police presence will also remain in the area, including high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance and support the community,” the force said.
Anyone with CCTV or mobile camera footage is asked to contact police.
