Teenagers as young as 14 among seven arrested after man in his 20s was stabbed to death in skate park attack that also left boy fighting for life

Seven people have now been arrested after a man in his 20s was stabbed to death at a skate park, in an attack that also left a teenage boy fighting for his life.

Police confirmed this afternoon that seven people are now in custody, although no one has yet been charged in relation to the murder. 

Four teenage boys aged 17, 16, 15 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of murder, while two men aged 35 and 56 and a woman aged 33 have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All are from Northampton.

The arrests follow a fatal stabbing at Briar Hill Skate Park on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services were called at 3:45pm after reports that two people had been knifed following an altercation at the park.

A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene, while a teenage boy was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remains in a critical condition.

The skate park has been sealed off with a police cordon, which remains in place as forensic and investigative work continues. Several nearby roads have been closed and members of the public have been urged to avoid the area.

Four teenage boys aged 17, 16, 15 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of murder, while two men aged 35 and 56 and a woman aged 33 have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender

A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene, while a teenage boy was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries

Police described the inquiry as 'fast-moving' and appealed for witnesses, as well as anyone with CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage, to come forward

Police described the inquiry as 'fast-moving' and appealed for witnesses, as well as anyone with CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage, to come forward.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Torie Harrison said: 'This is a tragic incident in which a man has sadly lost his life, and a teenage boy is in a critical condition. Our thoughts are firmly with both their families at this difficult time.'

She added: 'We know incidents of this nature can be a cause of concern within the neighbourhood and wider community, and I would like to offer our reassurance that we have a team of dedicated officers working at pace to establish what has happened. 

'High-visibility police patrols will be taking place in the area to reassure the local community, and I would encourage anyone with concerns in the area to approach one of our officers who will be happy to help.'

DCI Harrison said arrests were made quickly but stressed enquiries are continuing, adding: 'Arrests were promptly made, and enquiries are continuing to move at a fast pace however I would still appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information who has not yet come forward, to please do so.'

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