DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a teenager in Somerset have made a third arrest.
An 18-year-old man was taken into police custody last night (Monday, August 1) after a 16-year-old boy died of stab wounds in Radstock on Sunday (July 31).
Officers and paramedics were called to a car park in The Street at about 6.40pm, where they found the victim had been stabbed during a disorder involving a number of people.
He was critically injured and despite emergency treatment at the scene could not be saved.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends in their grief."
An 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested on Sunday night. All three young people arrested remain in police custody.
Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Ronnie Lungu said: “This terrible incident has been a huge shock for the community. You’ll see more uniformed patrols in the town in the coming days, both to support the investigation and for reassurance.
“We’re standing with our community to support this devastated family and everyone affected by this tragedy. If you have any worries following this tragic loss of life, do please speak with those officers on patrol.”
DCI Mark Almond, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The family are being supported by a specially-trained family liaison officer. They’re grateful for the support of the community but ask to be given privacy to mourn their loss.
“I understand the strength of feeling in the community over this tragedy. We’re working at pace to find those responsible.
"This is a strong community and we know people will come together to support our investigation for the sake of the family.
"I’d urge anyone who knows anything about what happened to speak to us.”
Year 11 pupils in Radstock are being offered support by school staff as well as having youth workers out in the community.
Youth Connect South West have set up a drop-in for any young person affected by the awful incident at The Big Local Room, New Hope House, 10 Waterloo Road, Radstock, between 11am and 5pm today (Tuesday, August 2).
They plan to make it available all week but the venue may change so visit https://www.youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk/supporting-radstock to check and for information on other support services.
If you can help, call police on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222182800, or complete the force's online appeals form.
You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.
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.
READ MORE: Police start murder investigation after boy, 16, dies of stab wounds.
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