Police given more time to question four men on suspicion of Bristol murder
Officers name victim who died from multiple knife wounds on Monday evening
Last updated 5th Feb 2026
Detectives have been granted additional time to question four men on suspicion of murder in Bristol.
Of the seven men arrested on Monday evening, detectives have secured extended time to question four of the suspects following a magistrate's warrant for further detention.
Two of the men were released on conditional bail, while another man was released from custody with no further action planned against him.
The investigation began when the victim, identified as 47-year-old Leon Phillips from St Phillips, was fatally injured on Stapleton Road near Trinity Road at around 10.45-11pm.
Officers on patrol spotted a group of men acting suspiciously and responded almost immediately after the attack.
Authorities pursued and detained the men as they attempted to flee the scene.
Phillips was critically injured and, upon being located at around 10.55pm, was transported to the hospital where he died the following morning.
A forensic post-mortem examination established that his cause of death was consistent with multiple knife wounds.
Family liaison officers are supporting Phillips' family, keeping them informed as the investigation unfolds.
The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) continues to conduct a rigorous examination with forensic, CCTV, and digital inquiries, along with interviews with witnesses and parties of interest.
Police presence and community reassurance
Neighbourhood Policing Supt Deepak Kenth said: “High-visibility reassurance patrols continue in and around the Stapleton Road area, utilising several specialist resources, including our Mounted unit, Roads Policing Unit and neighbourhood officers.
“We have been working closely with nearby schools to reassure staff, parents and children and have a mobile police station set up near the scene, should members of the public wish to speak with our officers face-to-face.
“Incidents of this nature have a significant impact on our communities and we are endeavouring to keep the public informed as the case progresses.”