A De Montfort University student collapsed and died after an attack in Oxford Street, Leicester – the vice-chancellor said they are ‘devastated’ as a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder
A university has expressed its “devastation” following the fatal stabbing of one of its students, just a stone’s throw away from the campus.
The police were alerted shortly after 5pm on Tuesday to reports of a man in his 20s collapsing on Oxford Street, Leicester, near the intersection with Bonners Lane and close to De Montfort University (DMU), after an alleged “confrontation” with another individual.
Leicestershire Police confirmed that the victim, who was a student at DMU, was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary but tragically died shortly afterwards.
University vice-chancellor Professor Katie Normington stated: “We are devastated to confirm the tragic death of one of our students.” She added: “Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students, staff and the family of the victim.
“We are working with Leicestershire Police as they investigate this major incident.”
She also thanked the community for their support, saying: “Thank-you for the messages of support we have been receiving from the community of Leicester: it is a city that knows how to stand together in moments like this.”
An 18-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of murder, remains in police custody, according to the force.
Police believe, based on their investigations so far, that the victim was involved in a street altercation with another man, who fled the scene before officers arrived.
A DMU student, who wished to remain anonymous, informed the Press Association that they witnessed a man receiving CPR on the pavement opposite The Bowling Green pub on Oxford Street.
Tye Crofton, 19, an employee at De Montfort University’s Innovation Centre, reported hearing a scream before spotting the man on the ground.
They recounted: “I was just about finishing work about five minutes to 5pm… and then I heard a scream.
“As I exited from the doors over there to my right, there was a young man, a young black man lying on the floor… surrounded by about 12 to 17 bystanders, some of which had covered him in their coats.”
They noted that university campus security arrived with a defibrillator before an ambulance turned up.
The witness added: “It did happen about 5pm and everyone was getting off work, so there was a bunch of people around.
“There was someone else there that had two phones up to each ear and then talking into them, and I assumed that they were already in contact with EMAS (East Midlands Ambulance Service).
“The person who was on two phones, a girl, she seemed quite emotional about it, but I don’t know if she was a friend or just someone who’d witnessed it.”
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, the senior investigating officer from Leicestershire Police, stated that officers are attempting to piece together the events and are reviewing CCTV footage in the area.
She revealed: “One of the men is believed to have been stabbed and has then collapsed in the street. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died in hospital.
“CCTV in the area is currently being reviewed and officers are speaking to potential witnesses to assist with our investigation. We know a lot of people came to the aid of the victim before emergency services arrived and we want to thank them for their help.
“If you were one of these people and you haven’t yet spoken to police, please make contact with us.”
She appealed for anyone possessing information or dashcam footage to step forward, as the city centre location was teeming with drivers during the incident.
Multiple roads continue to be cordoned off in the vicinity whilst the inquiry progresses.
In a previous statement, a DMU spokesperson confirmed the university is providing support to students and staff who witnessed the shocking events.
East Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it received the emergency call at 5.03pm on Tuesday, dispatching an ambulance car, three ambulances and an air ambulance responder before transporting the man to Leicester Royal Infirmary.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust alerted patients with Wednesday appointments about potential delays around the hospital owing to the incident and continuing investigative work, advising them to factor in additional travel time. Councillor Liz Sahu, representing fellow Castle ward councillors Patrick Kitterick and Mick Gregg, expressed deep concern: “Local councillors are very concerned and worried to read about the ‘serious incident’ that occurred at DMU last night.”
She added: “I hope and pray that everyone is safe. I believe the university is offering support to its staff and students.”
The councillor also pledged action: “We will seek to discuss this incident and other worrying incidents that have recently occurred in our city with the police.”
Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews shared his sympathy: “My thoughts are with all those affected by this horrific, and shocking, incident.”
He reflected on the tragic loss: “A young man’s life has been unnecessarily cut short, and that is a tragedy.”
Matthews praised the ongoing investigation: “I know that the police are working tirelessly to bring the person, or persons, responsible to justice.”
He provided an update on developments: “I have been kept fully briefed by the chief constable, and I am aware that an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.”
The commissioner outlined additional measures: “In addition, local officers will be in the area over the coming days carrying out reassurance patrols.”
He appealed for public assistance: “I urge anyone with information that may help the inquiry to come forward, and of course, they can speak to local officers about any concerns they may have.”
Those with relevant information should contact police on 101, referencing incident number 495 of February 3.