A FISHPONDS teenager is among four people charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in St Jude’s this week.
Mustafa Ali, aged 18, was due to appear before Bristol Magistrates Court today, alongside Ayoob Mohamed, also 18 and from St Paul’s, Muner Teclu, 20, of Easton, and 19-year-old Fallou Diop, of no fixed address.
They were charged last night by police investigating the killing of 47-year-old Leon Phillips, of St Philip’s, who died in hospital on Tuesday from injuries suffered in an incident in Stapleton Road on Monday evening.
Three other men were arrested after the incident: one man, aged 29, has been released from custody without charge and faces no further action, while two other men have been released on bail.
Police say officers on patrol saw a group of men “acting suspiciously” on Stapleton Road at around 10.45pm on Monday.
They chased after the group and detained them.
About ten minutes later Mr Phillips was found seriously injured near the junction of Stapleton Road and Trinity Road (above).
He was taken to hospital but died the following morning.
The police Major Crime Investigation Team launched a murder inquiry.
They said an initial forensic post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be multiple knife wounds.
Appeal for video footage
Detective Chief Inspector Nadine Partridge, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our investigation into Leon’s death has been moving quickly, and the team has been working incredibly hard to understand exactly what happened on Monday night.
“A huge amount of time and care is going into building a clear picture of the events that led to this tragic loss.
“I also want to personally recognise the response officers who were first at the scene. Their professionalism and response to this was exceptional, and their actions allowed us to make significant progress in the early stages of our inquiries.
“Our thoughts remain very much with Leon’s family, and we are doing everything we can to support them.
“They have been kept informed by specialist officers of the latest developments and will continue to be updated as the investigation moves forward.
“While our enquiries continue, we would ask the public to please avoid speculation or sharing anything online that could impact future proceedings. Your support and understanding genuinely make a difference.”
Anyone with information about the incident, CCTV or dashcam footage taken in the area between 10.30pm and 11pm should call on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5226 030 731.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.