A quiet Wednesday evening in Leicester turned tragic when a young student at De Montfort University was fatally stabbed in the city centre.
The incident has left the local community shaken and prompted a full murder investigation.
Arrest Made in Connection With the Incident
Police have confirmed that an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.
Officers believe the victim, a man in his 20s, was involved in an altercation with another individual on Oxford Street before the stabbing occurred.
Scene of the Attack and Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to what police described as a “very serious incident” at around 5pm.
Paramedics and officers arrived to find the victim with knife wounds near the university’s Journalism and Media department.
Despite being rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary, the young man tragically passed away shortly after arrival.
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, the Senior Investigating Officer, explained that inquiries suggest the stabbing stemmed from a confrontation between two men, one of whom fled the scene before police arrived.
A large police cordon remains in place while investigators continue to piece together the events.
University Reacts to the Tragedy
De Montfort University expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
Vice-Chancellor Katie Normington said she was “devastated” and confirmed that the university is providing support to students, staff, and the victim’s family.
She also emphasized close cooperation with Leicestershire Police during the ongoing investigation.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos
Witnesses painted a vivid picture of the incident.
Tye Crofton, 19, who works at the university’s Innovation Centre, said he heard a scream as he was leaving work and saw the victim lying on the street surrounded by bystanders.
Campus security had arrived with a defibrillator, and emergency crews soon took over.
Another worker on campus mentioned speaking to a student who saw two men fighting but did not witness the stabbing itself, suggesting the attack may have begun as a confrontation.
Student Rosie Davison said, “We just know that somebody got stabbed,” noting that police had cordoned off the entire road, not just the immediate area.
Police Investigation Underway
Leicestershire Police are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with potential witnesses.
They thanked members of the public who assisted the victim before emergency services arrived and encouraged anyone who has not yet spoken to police to come forward.
Road closures remain in effect around Oxford Street, Grange Street, Infirmary Square, and Carlton Street, causing disruption for motorists and public transport.
Officers are conducting reassurance patrols in the area.
Emergency Services and Public Reactions
The East Midlands Ambulance Service deployed multiple ambulances and an air ambulance.
A spokesperson confirmed that one patient was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Local residents expressed shock and concern over safety near the university.
One woman said, “It is scary because even though I’m not currently at uni, it’s so close to where you stay. It doesn’t make you feel safe.”
Political Leaders Speak Out
Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, urged the public not to speculate and to rely on verified sources.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews described the incident as “horrific and shocking” and called for anyone with information to assist the investigation.
Disruptions Around Leicester Royal Infirmary
The stabbing occurred near Leicester Royal Infirmary, prompting warnings of traffic and transport disruptions.
Bus operators have rerouted services in the area, and the hospital advised patients to allow extra time for appointments.
