Cops launch manhunt after man stabbed to death near busy train station

A victim, who has not been named by police, has died after being stabbed by a man at around 5.40pm on Stapleton Road in east Bristol on Friday - but the killer is on the loose

A manhunt has been launched for a murder suspect after a man was stabbed to death near a train station.

Emergency services were called to the Stapleton Road area of Bristol on Friday night to reports a man had been stabbed. Paramedics treated the victim at the scene before he was rushed to hospital, but Avon and Somerset Police today confirmed he had died of his injuries.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but the killer is still on the loose, the force said. The street remains cordoned off today as forensics officers combed the area for clues. Photos from the scene show two forensic tents have been erected.

Bristol Commander Superintendent Mark Runacres said: "Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the loved ones of this man, who will receive support from a specially-trained officer and will be kept updated as our investigation progresses. A murder inquiry has been launched and is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team. A large amount of CCTV has already been reviewed to further our understanding of what happened and those efforts are continuing today." A forensic post-mortem examination will be carried out this weekend.

Stapleton Road is closed between the train station and Robertson Road while forensics work is carried out. A police spokesperson said they appreciated the impact the road closure has on the community, and they are working to reopen it as soon as possible. Mr Runacres added: "There is no place for violence on Bristol’s streets and we are committed to working with partners around this issue. We want the community to understand that we are here to help them.

"We understand such tragic news is hugely distressing and therefore there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days with more patrols carried out, not because we're aware of any increased risk, but because we want to make sure you can approach us to raise any concerns. Stapleton Road is a busy place at the best of times, especially early on a Friday evening.

"We are grateful to those people who have already spoken to police and told us what they saw and we’d urge anyone else with information to please contact us as soon as possible." Mr Runacres said he was aware that people were filming in the area, and they would like to hear from anyone with footage relevant to their investigation.

However, he asked that out of respect for the man’s friends and family no insensitive footage is published on social media. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5224248976.