In the past 12 months, knife crime remainsed high on the news agenda with a number of people being sentenced for serious offences. Against this backdrop, one year ago today we launched the Together for Change anti-knife crime campaign.
Together for Change was established after a number of incidents involving a knife which took place in the weeks and months prior to the campaign launch. 2023 saw several people lose their lives to knife crime, including Paul Wagland, Adam Ali Ibrahim, Mikey Roynon, Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia, Isaac Brown and Martin Hefferman.
But there were more incidents in 2024 and knife crime remains a major problem. This is why there needs to be change. This list does not include every knife-related incident that took place across Bristol during this time, there will be many cases where it was not reported to the media.
January 27, 2024 – Mason Rist and Max Dixon stabbed to death
In a crime that shocked the nation, Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, were stabbed during an incident in Ilminster Avenue, Knowle West, on the evening of Saturday January 27. Local residents went to help the teenagers and police were on the scene within minutes to provide first aid.
The boys were taken by ambulance to Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where they died in the early hours of Sunday, January 28. Five people have since been found guilty of their murders and sentenced.
February 7, 2024 – Teenager stabbed in Little Stoke Park
A teenage boy was hospitalised after being stabbed at 7.10pm on February 7. Police were called to reports of a stabbing attack at Little Stoke Playing Fields.
A teenage boy was taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. Officers attended alongside paramedics after witnesses reported a teenage boy had been attacked by a group of three people.
February 8, 2024 – ‘Attempted murder’ of boy outside Broadmead McDonald’s
A man has been charged with attempted murder and possessing a knife in public following a stabbing at McDonald’s in The Horsefair, Bristol. The charges relate to the stabbing on Thursday, February 8, which left a 16-year-old boy injured in the attack in critical condition in hospital.
Joel Binnings, 20 and from Fishponds, was sentenced for attempted murder in October after being found guilty by a jury. He was jailed for 18 years.
February 14, 2024 – Darrian Williams stabbed in Bristol park
Darrian Williams, 16, was attacked in Rawnsley Park, St Jude’s, by two people wearing masks on Wednesday, February 14. After the attack, the victim ran to Stapleton Road, where a motorist assisted him.
He then collapsed in West Street, Old Market, and died at the scene, despite the efforts of paramedics. The two boys, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were arrested and charged with murder.
The two boys received life sentences after being found guilty of Darrian’s murder.
March 5, 2024 – Aliki Mamwa stabbed in St Pauls
Aliki Mamwa, 30, was fatally stabbed on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Known as Alex, the 30-year-old was stabbed on Ashley Road at around 8.30pm.
David Malcolm, 43 and of Eastville, was jailed for the manslaughter of Aliki and for being in possession of a bladed article. He was jailed for over 13 years.
May 28 – Man stabbed in Broadmead
A man was stabbed in broad daylight outside a McDonald’s on Bond Street, in Broadmead. The incident occurred at around 11.30am. A man in his 40s was taken to hospital in a critical condition.Ian McInally, 37 and of Talbot Avenue, St George, was jailed for six years.
May 28 and May 30 – Teenagers stabbed on same Bristol street in two incidents
Two 17-year-old boys were stabbed on the same street in the space of 48 hours. The first teenager was stabbed on the night of May 28, and a second teenager was stabbed on the night of May 30.
June 27 – 13-year-old seriously injured after city centre stabbing
A 13-year-old boy was left seriously injured after being stabbed close to McDonald’s on Bond Street. The incident happened at around 7.40pm. Two teenagers were arrested in the days following the attack.
February 13 – Teenager stabbed in St Pauls
Last month, a teenager was stabbed on Ashley Road in St Pails. The incident took place shortly before 4pm. A teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent.