Police Launch Murder Investigation
Avon & Somerset Police have just announced they are launching a murder investigation. Yesterday a man aged 30 died in Wells. A post-mortem examination and formal identification will be arranged in due course. The man’s next-of-kin have been informed.
We understand that Police were alerted to a disturbance at a property on Merlin Drive involving a number of people at 4.25pm yesterday afternoon (Saturday).
Officers attended and discovered two men with knife wounds on Wookey Hole Road. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the ambulance service, one of the men died of his injuries at the scene.
The other man, also in his 30’s who also sustained serious injuries continues to receive medical treatment at hospital for them. It is understood his injuries are not life threatening.
The Police operation involved a helicopter and armed officers were deployed to the area to assist beat officers in making arrests. In total, six men and two women, all from the Somerset area, have been detained in connection with the incident and currently remain in police custody.
The senior investigating officer is Detective Inspector Alistair Hammett of the Major Crime Investigation Team. He told us “We’re carrying out a full investigation into what is clearly a very tragic incident. Specially trained officers will be providing support to the man’s family and our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with the devastating news they have been given.”
Police believe this was an isolated incident and only involved a group of people all of whom were known to each other. However the Police presence in the area will remain to provide reassurance to the public. A police cordon has been placed around Merlin Drive.
In the meantime Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard any part of what happened, or may have any information which you think could help. If you have information please phone 101 and tell the call handler you are phoning in relation to log 760 of yesterday (23 March).
Alternatively pass on information through the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.