Police have arrested two teenagers after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death in woodland off Lido Road in Stoke Park, Guildford, on Monday evening
Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the stabbing of a 15-year-old.
The youngsters, aged 15 and 16, are today being quizzed by police in custody – two days after a schoolboy died in a town-centre park in Guildford, Surrey. A police spokesperson said: “A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in police custody while our enquiries continue.
“We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to this incident. If you have any information that might assist our investigation, please get in touch via our Major Incident Public Portal (dashcam and CCTV footage can also be uploaded here) quoting PR/45260006995 or Operation Eastville.”
Passers-by and emergency services desperately tried to help the schoolboy, but he died soon after being found in woodland. The site, which is popular with families, also boasts a bowls club and treetop adventure area featuring ziplines and climbing equipment.
Det Ch Supt Debbie White, of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said the stabbing happened around 6pm on Monday in Stoke Park, Guildford. She added: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public at the location, the boy died shortly afterwards.
“We want to reassure you that we are working at pace to establish the circumstances of his death, gather as much evidence as possible and identify those responsible.
“Although the circumstances are not clear at this time, this is a fast-moving investigation and we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.”
Yesterday two blue police tents could be seen in the park, along with forensic officers combing the site, which has been cordoned off.
A local resident, who asked only to be identified as Peter, said: “You just don’t think things like that happen around here. It’s a big town, Guildford, but it’s quite sleepy. I’ve lived here all my life. I’m shocked.”
He added that the area was normally “full of kids and families. Something like this is just unbelievable”. Rebecca May, posting on Facebook, said workers at a nearby leisure centre were among those who tried to save the boy’s life. She wrote: “15 years old, it’s no age… staff from Guildford Spectrum tried to resuscitate but his wounds were too severe.”
Bosses at the building, which includes an ice rink, said they could not comment due to the police probe. Guildford MP Zoe Franklin said: “It is difficult to find words for this tragic and devastating news. My heart goes out to the family of this young man.
“If you have any information you think could help the police with this tragic case please make contact with them as soon as possible.
”The victim has not been identified but his family have been told and are being supported by specialist officers. DCS White appealed for anyone who was in the area between 6pm and 6.20pm on Monday – or has information that could help – “to come forward as a matter of urgency”.
She added: “Our heartfelt condolences remain with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.“A significant police presence will remain in the area for some time.”
