Murder victim named as 19-year-old woman

A cordon remains around the property while the investigation continues

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a woman was stabbed to death at a residential property.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the home on Cromwell Road, in the St Andrew's area of Bristol, at 18:23 BST on Sunday.

The victim. who was pronounced dead at the scene, has now been formally identified as Luka Bennett-Smith, 19.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, appeared before magistrates in Bristol earlier and was remanded into custody.

A forensic post-mortem examination confirmed Ms Bennett-Smith died from "a number of stab wounds", police said.

Ch Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen said: “Our thoughts are foremost with Luka’s family at this hugely difficult time.

"We are providing them with support through a specialist family liaison officer and they have been updated with the charging decision, which marks significant progress in this murder investigation.

“The family have understandably asked for privacy as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened over the past 48 hours and we’d ask people to please respect their wishes.

“We know tragic incidents like this one can cause significant concerns within any community, and therefore we encourage anyone who is worried to please make themselves known to officers in the area who are carry out additional patrols.

"They will be able to provide assistance and reassurance to anyone who has concerns.”