A man who was stabbed to death during a brutal attack in a skate park which has also left a teenager fighting for their life has been named and pictured for the first time.
Mason Miller, 20, was fatally stabbed during the incident at Briar Hill Skate Park in Northampton at around 3.30pm on February 18.
Another stabbing victim, 17, suffered ‘life-changing’ injuries and is still in hospital in critical condition.
Emergency services were called at around 3.45pm to reports two people had been stabbed ‘during an altercation’, but despite their best efforts, Mr Miller was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven people from Northampton were arrested in connection with the incident during the ‘complex and fast-paced investigation.
Four teenage boys aged 17, 16, 15 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of murder and a 35-year-old man and 33-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
As part of the wider police investigation, two 15-year-old boys and a 14-year-old youth appeared before Northampton Magistrates Court yesterday charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
They were granted conditional bail and placed into the care of the local authority.
Mason Miller (pictured), 20, was fatally stabbed during the incident at Briar Hill Skate Park in Northampton at around 3.30pm on February 18
Police tape seen around Briar Hill Skate Park in Northampton as forensic officers carry out investigations
Forensic officers pictured on Thursday inspecting the scene of the stabbing at Briar Hill Skate Park in Northampton
A cordon is expected to remain in place while police continue to carry out their investigation.
Chief Inspector Kim Jackson said Northamptonshire Police are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and visibility patrols to offer reassurance and support the community.
Police encouraged any witnesses, people with information or CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage to get in touch ‘as a matter of urgency’.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Matt Bly, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) said this remained a fast-moving investigation with a number of lines of inquiry being pursued by detectives.
He said: ‘This remains a murder investigation, and our thoughts first and foremost remain with Mason’s family at this difficult time.
‘The family understandably are still trying to come to terms with Wednesday’s tragic events and, as such, have asked for complete privacy at this time.’
DI Bly added: ‘We are continuing to work across a number of fronts to piece together what happened and to determine who is responsible.
‘The public’s co-operation will be key to this, and I would urge anyone with information to come forward – including CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage – to contact the Force as a matter of urgency.’
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
