De Montfort University confirms death of a student after a stabbing near campus. Police arrest an 18-year-old as roads close and investigation continues.
De Montfort University confirms the death of a student after a stabbing near campus [Photo: X]
A deadly stabbing near De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has sent shockwaves across the city, raising serious concerns about student safety. The incident took place in a busy area close to the university campus during the early evening hours, when students and commuters were still around.
Police have launched a major investigation after confirming that one of the victims was a university student. An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested as authorities continue to examine what led to the fatal attack.
De Montfort University officially confirmed that the man who died was one of its students, describing the incident as extremely serious. The university said it is working closely with Leicestershire Police as investigations continue.
It also announced immediate support for students, staff, and the victim’s family. DMU urged anyone affected by the incident to seek emotional and mental health assistance through its wellbeing services. The campus community has expressed deep shock and grief following the confirmation.
Vice-chancellor Katie Normington said:
“We are devastated by 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 tragic incident.”
The stabbing occurred at around 5 PM on Tuesday near the Innovation Centre, close to Oxford Street and Bonners Lane. Police said two men were involved in a confrontation that escalated quickly. During the incident, one of the men was stabbed and collapsed on the street.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a medical emergency. Despite rapid response and hospital treatment, the victim later died. A large police cordon was established soon after the incident.
Police confirmed that the victim was a man in his 20s. De Montfort University later verified that he was a student enrolled at the institution. Authorities have not released his identity, and his family has not been named publicly.
Several members of the public attempted to help the victim before emergency teams arrived. Police thanked those individuals for stepping in during the critical moments. The death has deeply affected students and staff across the campus.
Leicestershire Police arrested an 18-year-old man shortly after the incident in connection with the stabbing. Officers have not disclosed whether the suspect knew the victim. At this stage, police have not confirmed if the attack was targeted or the result of a spontaneous dispute.
The suspect remains in custody as investigators carry out further questioning. No additional arrests have been announced so far. Police say more details will be shared once inquiries progress.
The exact motive behind the stabbing remains unclear. Police have stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. Officers are carefully reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area to trace movements before and after the confrontation.
Witness statements are also being collected to understand how the situation unfolded. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation. Police say establishing the full sequence of events is their current priority.
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville confirmed that officers are actively piecing together what happened during the confrontation. She said CCTV footage is being reviewed and witnesses are being contacted. Police have appealed to motorists who were driving through Oxford Street at the time to check their dashcam footage.
Officers also thanked members of the public who assisted the victim before emergency services arrived. The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic teams involved.
“We are currently piecing together exactly what has occurred…”
The police cordon has caused widespread disruption in central Leicester. Multiple roads near De Montfort University and Leicester Royal Infirmary remain closed to traffic and pedestrians. These closures have affected access to hospital facilities and nearby residential areas.
Police confirmed that NHS staff can access hospital parking but must show identification. Bus services have also been diverted due to the cordon. Authorities said closures will remain until investigations conclude.
Students and residents described the situation as chaotic and confusing. Many reported seeing a heavy police presence, but said information was limited in the hours following the incident. Some students were turned away from university buildings as officers secured the area.
Residents said they noticed roadblocks and police tape across major junctions. Several witnesses said they did not see the stabbing itself but realised something serious had happened. The atmosphere around campus remained tense.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses and video evidence that could help the investigation. The arrested suspect is expected to remain in custody while officers complete questioning. Authorities will decide on further charges based on evidence collected.
De Montfort University has said it will maintain support services for students and staff in the coming days. More official updates are expected as police confirm additional findings. The case has renewed discussions around safety near university campuses.
