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An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in his 20s was stabbed in Leicester city centre and later died in hospital, Leicestershire police have said.
Police and East Midlands ambulance service were called just after 5pm on Tuesday after reports that a man had collapsed. They later received reports that the man had been stabbed.
The ambulance service took the individual to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later, police said. An 18-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was in police custody, the force added in a statement.
Initial inquiries carried out by officers suggested the victim had been involved in an altercation with another man in the street, who left the scene before police arrived.
The senior investigating officer, DI Lorna Granville, 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.
“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.”
Officers are urging potential witnesses to come forward, including motorists who may have captured footage on dashcams.
“The incident happened at 5pm so we know the area was also busy with motorists driving along Oxford Street,” Granville said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Liz Kendall, the MP for Leicester West and a cabinet minister, said she was “aware” of a “serious incident” that had taken place and her thoughts were with those affected.
A De Montfort University spokesperson also said earlier: “We are working with Leicestershire police as 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.”
Police said the incident had caused “major disruption in the city” as forensic and search specialists carried out examinations.
Closures were in place on Oxford Street, Infirmary Road, Infirmary Square, Carlton Street, York Road, Lower Brown Street, the Gateway and Gosling Street. The Infirmary Road junction with Aylestone Road and the Newarke Street junction with Oxford Street were also closed.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust warned patients with appointments on Wednesday of potential disruption due to road closures around Leicester Royal Infirmary.
It said in a statement on Facebook: “Due to road closures currently in place near the hospital following an overnight incident, there will be traffic disruption in the area this morning. Please attend your appointment and allow extra time for your journey. Follow local diversions and police instructions. If you are delayed, please contact your clinic or department where possible.”
