A STUDENT in his 20s has been stabbed to death on a university campus with an 18-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder.
A “very serious incident” was declared at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester after the attack around 5pm yesterday.
Four ambulances and an air ambulance were scrambled to the scene and the victim was rushed to hospital – but he sadly died a short time later.
An 18-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.
The victim was a student at DMU, vice chancellor Professor Katie Normington said.
He is understood to have been involved in an altercation with another man in the street but that man left the scene before police arrived, cops said.
RAPE PROBE
Woman raped on rural road in quiet market town as cops launch urgent hunt
TOTAL RECALL
Fresh batch of Nestle baby formula recalled after dangerous toxin found
In a statement, Professor Katie Normington said: “We are devastated to confirm the tragic death of one of our students.
“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.
“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.”
Detectives launched a murder probe in the wake of the tragedy with cops staying at the scene overnight.
The force is appealing for anyone with information or mobile phone or dash-cam footage to come forward as enquiries get underway.
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “We are currently piecing together exactly what has occurred on the corner of Oxford Street and Bonners Lane between, what is reported, as two men involved in a confrontation.
“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.
“The incident happened at 5pm so we know the area was also busy with motorists driving along Oxford Street.
“If you saw anything or captured footage on dash-cam as you drove past the area we would also like to hear from you.
“I appreciate the incident has caused major disruption in the city, with a number of roads closed. We are working to reduce this impact as soon as we can.
“Local officers will be in the area over the coming days carrying out reassurance patrols. If anyone has any concerns, please speak to an officer.
“If you can help in any way, call 101 and quote incident number 495 of 3 February.”
DMU said it was offering support to staff and students who witnessed the tragic incident.
A spokesperson for the university said: “We are aware of a very serious incident on our campus this evening.
“We are working withLeicestershire Policeas they launch an immediate investigation.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students and staff who witnessed the incident.”
Several roads remain closed in the wake of the tragedy with the scene still cordoned off today.
Nearby, Leicester Royal Infirmary was plunged into chaos in the wake of the stabbing as staff and visitors battled disruption in the area.
Drivers were warned to avoid the area and are being urged to plan ahead amid heavy delays.