A murder investigation was launched today after a man was stabbed to death on an estate being patrolled by armed police.
Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit (MCU) have started the murder investigation after an unnamed 20-year-old was killed on Sunday evening in Luton.
An ambulance was called to the Marsh Farm estate at 8.15pm after a man was found with serious injuries.
Armed units were deployed to the property and the man was rushed to Luton and Dunstable Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The attack comes after a dramatic rise in violent crime led to armed police patrolling rival estates on the outskirts of the city.
Detective Chief Inspector Sharn Basra, of the MCU described the attack as a “very brutal murder” and has appealed to witnesses to contact the police.
He said: “This was a very brutal murder and a team of detectives is now piecing together exactly what took place in Thrales Close.
“Our officers are working with witnesses and members of the victims’ family to establish what happened prior to the stabbing and who may be responsible for this.”
And yesterday (Mon) police appealed for three people in particular to come forward who they believe were near the scene at the time of the attack.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Collin said: “The early stages of this investigation suggest that the victim may well have known his attacker as there was no indication of a disturbance prior to the fatal assault.
“We have identified three people from local CCTV cameras and I would urge them to come forward as they may hold extremely important information about this attack.
“Marsh Farm is a very community orientated area and I’m sure that local residents will be able to assist us with our inquiries.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen the incident itself or anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward and speak with the police in complete confidence.”
Anyone with information relating to this investigation is urged to contact officers from the MCU, in confidence on 01707 355666, or call Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information on 07786 200011.
