The De Montfort University incident has shocked Leicester after a man died following a stabbing near the city centre campus, police confirmed.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Tuesday evening after members of the public reported a serious assault near De Montfort University in Leicester city centre. Paramedics and police responded quickly, but the victim later died in hospital. Officers then launched a full murder investigation.
According to an official statement from Leicestershire Police, officers received a call shortly after 5pm to Oxford Street, near the junction with Bonners Lane. Police said a man in his 20s had collapsed after suffering stab injuries in the city centre university area.
What Happened Near De Montfort University
Police believe the fatal stabbing followed what appears to have been an isolated confrontation. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes after receiving multiple emergency calls from witnesses.
Paramedics treated the victim at the scene before rushing him to Leicester Royal Infirmary. Despite doctors’ efforts, he died a short time later. Police later confirmed that they arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder. Detectives have kept the suspect in custody while they continue their inquiries.
Authorities have said they see no indication of a wider threat to the public. Police are not treating the incident as a terror-related attack.
Heavy Police Presence and Road Closures
After the stabbing, police quickly set up a large cordon around Oxford Street, Infirmary Road, and nearby routes. Officers closed several roads to allow forensic teams to examine the scene and collect evidence. The closures disrupted traffic and pedestrian movement in the city centre. Areas near the university and Leicester Royal Infirmary saw delays throughout the evening. Police advised residents, commuters, and students to avoid the area while investigations continued.
Police vehicles, uniformed officers, and detectives remained at the scene overnight, highlighting the seriousness of the investigation.
University Response and Student Support
Following the incident, De Montfort University released a statement confirming it is working closely with police. The university said it is also supporting students and staff who may have been affected.
University officials acknowledged that incidents of this nature can cause distress, particularly for those who live or study nearby. In response, the university has made counseling and welfare services available to anyone who needs support.
The incident did not occur inside a university building. However, its close proximity to the campus has raised concerns among students and parents.
Investigation Continues
Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the area as part of the investigation. Police have also appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Officers asked anyone who saw the altercation or recorded relevant footage, including dashcam video, to contact them. They urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active.
Police said they will release further updates as detectives gather more evidence and interview those involved. At this stage, investigators believe the incident involved people who knew each other, though they have not officially confirmed this.
Community Reaction
The fatal stabbing has caused concern among local residents and businesses. Many expressed shock that such an incident could happen so close to a busy university area.
Community leaders and local representatives have urged calm. They stressed the importance of allowing police to complete their work and warned against spreading unverified information online.
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