Murder investigation into De Montfort University student death
An 18-year-old man is in custody
Last updated 13 hours ago
A De Montfort University student has died after being allegedly stabbed in Leicester city centre.
The man in his 20s is said to have collapsed in Oxford Street, close to the junction with Bonners Lane and he was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody.
The force said: "From enquiries carried out so far, it is believed the victim was involved in an altercation with another man in the street. That man left the scene prior to police arriving."
Leicestershire Police added how CCTV in the area is currently being reviewed and officers are speaking to potential witnesses to assist in the investigation.
Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, said:
“We are devastated to confirm the tragic death of one of our students.
"Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students, staff and the family of the victim.
"We are working with Leicestershire Police as they investigate this major incident.
"Thank you for the messages of support we have been receiving from the community of Leicester: it is a city that knows how to stand together in moments like this.”
East Midlands Ambulance Service have released this statement:
"We received a call at 5.03pm on Tuesday 3 February to an address in Leicester. The caller reported a medical emergency. We sent a paramedic in an ambulance car, three crewed ambulances and a responder from the air ambulance was also in attendance. We transported one patient to Leicester Royal Infirmary."
Police say that the incident is not believed to be CT-related, and that a scene preservation remains in place while the scene is examined by forensic and search specialists.
Overnight, detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team have been working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, Senior Investigating Officer, said:
"We are currently piecing together exactly what has occurred on the corner of Oxford Street and Bonners Lane between, what is reported, as two men involved in a confrontation.
"One of the men is believed to have been stabbed and has then collapsed in the street. Despite the best efforts of medical staff he died in hospital.
"CCTV in the area is currently being reviewed and officers are speaking to potential witnesses to assist with our investigation. We know a lot of people came to the aid of the victim before emergency services arrived and we want to thank them for their help.
"If you were one of these people and you haven't yet spoken to police, please make contact with us.
"The incident happened at 5pm so we know the area was also busy with motorists driving along Oxford Street. If you saw anything or captured footage on dash cam as you drove past the area we would also like to hear from you.
"I appreciate the incident has caused major disruption in the city, with a number of roads closed. We are working to reduce this impact as soon as we can.
"Local officers will be in the area over the coming days carrying out reassurance patrols. If anyone has any concerns, please speak to an officer."
A De Montfort University student, who does not wish to be named, said he saw an elderly man receiving medical attention on a pavement.
The student, who had been on the way home from a field trip, said: "I just saw a person on the floor and getting CPR.
"I was going back home then I just saw the police around and saw the person on the floor.
"He was an old man, I think. I didn't really look much because I'm really kind of sensitive."
The student said the man was lying on the pavement across the road from The Bowling Green pub in Oxford Street, Leicester.
Cabinet minister and Leicester West MP Liz Kendall said her thoughts were with those affected by the "serious incident" at De Montfort University.
The Technology Secretary said:
"I am aware that a serious incident took place on De Montfort University campus yesterday evening.
"De Montfort University is providing support to students and staff who witnessed the event.
"My thoughts are with those affected by what has happened."
A statement from Shockat Adam, MP for Leicester South reads:
"I am extremely concerned by the incident reported at De Montfort University.
"I am in contact with both the police and the university to offer my support as they respond to this situation. My thoughts are with the students, staff and families of all those impacted, and with anyone who has been affected by what has happened.
"This will be a very distressing time for many, and I want to reassure anyone affected that my office and I are available to help in any way we can."
Shivani Raja MP said:
“I am deeply concerned by the incident reported at De Montfort University.
"I understand this will be troubling for many residents across the city, and want to assure residents that I am in regular contact with both Leicestershire Police and De Montfort University to offer my support.
"I want to thank the emergency services for their quick action, bravery and continued efforts. My office and I remain available to offer support wherever possible.”
Leicester City Councillor Liz Sahu, speaking on behalf of fellow Castle ward councillors Patrick Kitterick and Mick Gregg, said:
"Local councillors are very concerned and worried to read about the 'serious incident' that occurred at DMU last night.
"I hope and pray that everyone is safe. I believe the university is offering support to its staff and students.
"We will seek to discuss this incident and other worrying incidents that have recently occurred in our city with the police."
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust warned patients with appointments on Wednesday of disruption around Leicester Royal Infirmary due to the incident.
The Hospitals Trust said in a statement on Facebook:
"Due to road closures currently in place near the hospital following an overnight incident, there will be traffic disruption in the area this morning.
"Please attend your appointment and allow extra time for your journey. Follow local diversions and police instructions. If you are delayed, please contact your clinic or department where possible."
Police say that officers will be in the area over the coming days to carry out reassurance patrols.