Boy, 16, charged with murdering girl, 19, who was stabbed to death

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murdering a 19-year-old girl who was stabbed to death inside her home.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons at this stage because he is under 18, appeared before magistrates in Bristol yesterday.

He has been charged with the murder of a woman at an address in Cromwell Road, in the St Andrew's area of the city after she was found dead on October 20.

Emergency services were called to a property in Cromwell Road at 6.23pm where the victim was pronounced dead. 

The girl who died has been formally identified as 19-year-old Luka Bennett-Smith.

A forensic post-mortem examination has confirmed she died from a number of stab wounds.

A cordon remains around the property while investigative enquiries are completed.

Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said: 'Our thoughts are foremost with Luka's family at this hugely difficult time. 

'We are providing them with support through a specialist family liaison officer and they have been updated with the charging decision, which marks significant progress in this murder investigation.

'The family have understandably asked for privacy as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened over the past 48 hours and we'd ask people to please respect their wishes.

'We know tragic incidents like this one can cause significant concerns within any community, and therefore we encourage anyone who is worried to please make themselves known to officers in the area who are carry out additional patrols. 

'They will be able to provide assistance and reassurance to anyone who has concerns.'