Bristol Stabbings: Man charged with murders of two teenage boys

Mason, left, and Max, right, were fatally stabbed

A man has been charged with the murders of two teenagers in Bristol.

Anthony Snook, 44, is accused of the murders of Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, who were killed in the Knowle West area of the city on Saturday.

Mr Snook, of Hartcliffe, will appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Avon and Somerset Police said a total of eight people have been arrested as part of the investigation which is "continuing at pace".

Five others, in addition to Mr Snook, are still in police custody. Two have been released on bail.

The two teenagers were attacked by a group of people in Ilminster Avenue on Saturday at around 23:20 GMT.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the murder charges at a media briefing on Wednesday evening

Members of the public and police officers went to the boys' aid but they later died of their injuries in hospital.

Detectives from the force's major crime investigation team said the charge is a "pivotal moment" in the inquiry and that more than 100 officers and staff are working on the case.

The murder charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service after a review of the evidence put together by the investigation team.

Max's mum and sister paid emotional tributes to the teenagers earlier, urging parents to search their children's bags and keep them safe.

Leanne Dixon said: "This world is never ever going to be the same without them."

Members of the community released balloons for the boys on Wednesday evening

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 46-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder has since been bailed with conditions including to not enter Bristol.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, along with a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place has been released with no further action in relation to the murder offence and bailed in relation to the offensive weapon offence.

The attack has sent shock-waves through the community this week

Det Supt Gary Haskins, head of the murder investigations team, said: "This is a pivotal moment in our investigation and Mason's and Max's families have both been informed of this development.

"Specialist family liaison officers are providing them with support and we continue to ask their privacy is respected and they are given space to grieve.

"In the meantime, we'd like to remind people of the impact speculation, footage and images on social media could have on both Mason's and Max's families as well as on forthcoming proceedings."

Max's dad left a candle, card and message at a vigil