Four teens arrested over fatal stabbing of boy, 16

Four Teens Arrested in Connection with Fatal Stabbing of 16-Year-Old Boy

A 16-year-old boy died in hospital after being stabbed in a violent attack that occurred in Riseholme, near the Ortongate Shopping Centre in Peterborough. Cambridgeshire Police received the call just before 19:00 BST on Sunday, reporting a teenager had been assaulted in the area. The incident has prompted authorities to investigate further, with detectives indicating the attack was targeted rather than random.

The nearby St John’s Church School temporarily closed as a result of the “serious incident,” according to an email shared with the BBC. The message stated police were “processing a site in close proximity to the school,” leading to the decision to shut down. An image captured Sunday night showed a significant police presence near the shopping centre, which remains cordoned off as of Monday. The area will see heightened security for several days, with the rear car park of the centre still closed.

Four individuals have been taken into custody: a 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, both from Peterborough, are charged with murder. Two additional teenagers, aged 16 and 17, are suspected of aiding the offender. The 16-year-old girl, also from March, faces charges of possessing a bladed object. All suspects are currently in police detention.

“This is a tragic incident which has resulted in the death of a young man,” said Det Ch Insp Richard Stott of the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit. “We are in contact with his family and keeping them updated. While we understand the death will be concerning for local people, we do not believe this was a random attack. There will be a significant police presence in the area over coming days.”

The school confirmed it would “continue to monitor the situation” and provide updates on when it will reopen. Flowers left at the scene near the police cordon suggest community concern. Authorities have also encouraged anyone with CCTV footage or relevant information to reach out. For Peterborough news, follow updates on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.