De Montfort University Mourns Student After Fatal Stabbing Incident
De Montfort University has expressed profound devastation following the tragic death of one of its students in a stabbing incident that occurred just yards from the campus in Leicester. The victim, a man in his twenties, succumbed to his injuries at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Tuesday evening, prompting a major police investigation and an outpouring of grief from the university community.
Police Investigation Underway Following Street Altercation
Leicestershire Police were alerted to the incident shortly after 5pm on Tuesday, responding to reports of a man collapsing on Oxford Street near the junction with Bonners Lane. Initial inquiries suggest the victim was involved in a confrontation with another man, who fled the scene before officers arrived. The force has confirmed that an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Lorna Granville stated that officers are diligently working to piece together the events, with a focus on reviewing CCTV footage from the area. She emphasised the importance of witness accounts, noting that many individuals came to the victim's aid before emergency services arrived. DI Granville urged anyone with information, including dashcam footage, to contact the police, highlighting that the city centre location was busy with motorists at the time.
University and Community Response to the Tragedy
University vice-chancellor Professor Katie Normington conveyed the institution's deep sorrow, stating, "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." DMU is offering direct support to students, staff, and the victim's family, while collaborating closely with Leicestershire Police on the investigation.
Councillor Liz Sahu, representing Castle ward councillors Patrick Kitterick and Mick Gregg, expressed concern over the incident, noting plans to discuss it with police amid other recent worrying events in the city. Leicestershire police and crime commissioner Rupert Matthews described the stabbing as "horrific and shocking," extending his condolences to all affected and assuring that police are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses reported a distressing scene near The Bowling Green pub on Oxford Street. A DMU student, who wished to remain anonymous, described seeing a man receiving CPR on the pavement, while Tye Crofton, a 19-year-old employee at the university's Innovation Centre, recounted hearing a scream before observing the victim lying on the floor surrounded by bystanders.
Crofton noted that campus security arrived promptly with a defibrillator, followed by an ambulance. East Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed they were called at 5.03pm, deploying an ambulance car, three ambulances, and an air ambulance responder to the scene before transporting the man to hospital.
Ongoing Disruption and Support Measures
Several roads in the area remain closed as the investigation continues, with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust warning patients of potential disruption around Leicester Royal Infirmary due to the incident. The university has reiterated its commitment to supporting those who witnessed the event, with local police planning reassurance patrols in the coming days to address community concerns.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call 101, quoting incident number 495 of February 3, to assist the ongoing inquiry into this tragic loss of a young life.
