Two men arrested over stabbing murder of Bristol teenager

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a popular teenager who was stabbed to death.

The 17-year-old, named locally as Shamus Mcnama, died in Southmead Hospital in Bristol on Sunday morning.

Police were called to a house on Stothard Road in the Lockleaze area of the city at 5.50am following reports of a disturbance.

The teenager was taken to hospital with knife wounds but died of his injuries.

Police arrested two men, aged 18 and 19, on suspicion of his murder. They both remain in custody.

Detective Inspector Richard Pegler, of Avon and Somerset Police, said the suspects were known to the victim.

"We launched a murder investigation after a 17-year-old boy died following an incident at a property on Stothard Road in the Lockleaze area of Bristol," the senior investigating officer said.

"As part of that investigation we're now appealing for anyone who witnessed a disturbance on the street between 5.30am and 6.30am to get in touch.

"We're also asking for anyone in the area who thinks they may have heard or seen anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary, between those times to come forward.

"I'd like to stress that this was an isolated incident between people who were known to each other.

"We have arrested two men on suspicion of murder, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, and we are not looking for anyone else at this time.

"Our thoughts are very much with the family of this young man who has tragically lost his life and we are doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time."

Formal identification has not yet taken place but neighbours and friends said the victim was Shamus.

Floral and written tributes have been left at the police cordon close to the scene, with many in tears as they paid their respects.

One read: "Shamus my brother and friend! I am going to miss you so much mate, I loved being around you. RIP Brother."

Another said: "Shamus. Can't believe your (sic) gone you will never be forgotten brother RIP."

Shamus is believed to have attended Orchard School and Filton High School before starting an apprenticeship at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

One school friend, who did not wish to be named, wept: "I can't believe it - it is unreal. He just had the biggest smile and he was so, so loved by so many people.

"You won't find anyone with a bad word to say about him. He had so many friends."

Another school friend, who did not wish to be named, added: "It's such a terrible thing to happen to anyone but to happen to someone like Shamus, who was such a nice guy - it's unbelievable."

The girl said Shamus was stabbed in the neck, although police were unable to confirm that detail.

A 24-year-old man, who also did not wish to be named, brushed tears away as he read tributes left to the teenager.

"He was such a nice person," he said. "He would have done anything for anybody. He had lots of friends. He was a very likeable person."

Mark Palmer, 51, drives through the area each day to visit friends and said he was shocked by the incident.

"Something like this is completely out of the ordinary. I have never known this sort of thing to happen up round here," he said.

"I feel for the young lad, the victim, it is a waste of a young life."