Police have renewed appeals for information
Murder investigation launched in Filton: Police Statement
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of a man in north Bristol last week.
The man, who has not yet been named but is in his 20s, was arrested this weekend in connection with the discovery of a man’s body in the garden of a house in Filton in the early hours of Thursday morning, April 9.
Police said they believed the man had died several hours earlier, in the afternoon or evening of Wednesday, April 9, and the discovery of his body sparked a major investigation and road closures on Cleve Road in Filton, and on the nearby A38.
A post-mortem examination of the man who died was carried out on Friday and the preliminary findings are that the man died of ‘a number’ of stab wounds.
The identity of the man who died has not yet been released, but police are supporting his family and have told them about the arrest today.
READ MORE: Murder investigation launched in Filton after body found in gardenREAD MORE: Police guard Filton ‘murder’ scene as investigation enters second day
“The victim’s family are aware of the arrest and our thoughts are with them following their devastating loss,” said Det Chief Insp Lucy Edgeworth, of the Major Crime Investigation Team.
“Specially-trained officers are continuing to provide them with support and updates on our ongoing investigation.
“Out of respect to his family, we would ask people not to speculate on the man’s identity, or the wider circumstances around his death. They are continuing to privately grieve at this time, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.
A forensics tent on Cleve Road.(Image: Paul Gillis / Reach PLC)
“It has only been a few days since they received the most devastating news imaginable and the formal identification process has not yet been completed,” she added.
Police said the man was found with ‘significant injuries’ at the back of a garden, near to a path running along the back gardens of the houses in Cleve Road, and there is still a large police presence in the area.
READ MORE: Neighbours of Filton ‘murder’ scene awoke in night as police swarmed streetREAD MORE: Bristol rush hour drivers could hold clue in murder probe – police list roads and times
Police are still appealing for information, witnesses and anyone who has doorbell, dashcam or CCTV cameras in the area.
“A forensic post-mortem examination was conducted on Friday 10 April. The preliminary findings are the victim died after sustaining a ‘number of stab wounds’,” said a police spokesperson.
“Detectives and specialist officers are continuing today to carry out enquiries in the Cleve Road area in connection with this investigation.
“We recognise that does have an impact on the local community and we are grateful for their patience while this important work continues. Uniformed officers are available to speak to any people who have concerns,” he added.
READ MORE: Filton ‘crime scene’ in pictures as police confirm death
“We wish to reiterate our appeal for anyone to come forward who witnessed what happened or has CCTV or dashcam footage covering Cleve Road, or any other streets nearby, from 3pm on Wednesday 8 April to 3am on Thursday 9 April,” he said.
DCI Edgeworth said the work from the major crime investigation team was ongoing.
“A huge amount of work has been carried out by the investigation team and specialist officers in recent days,” she said.
“This includes reviewing many hours of CCTV footage, carrying out forensic enquiries at the scene, conducting detailed searches of the local area and speaking to potential witnesses.
“This has led to an arrest being made and the man remains in custody where he will be questioned under caution.
Police are back at the scene in Cleve Road, Filton following the death of a man(Image: ReachPLC/Paul Gillis)
“While an arrest has been made, we still wish to hear from anyone who has information or footage that may be relevant to our enquiries, even if it may seem trivial to them,” she added.
Anybody with information which could assist us is asked to call us on 101 quoting reference number 5226096397 or through our Major Incident Portal that can be accessed via our website: Public Portal. You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded, and you will not go to court nor must speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.
