Milton Keynes stabbings: Killings 'part of targeted attack'

The boys were stabbed at a house party in Archford Croft in Milton Keynes

Two 17-year-old boys were stabbed to death at a house party as part of a "targeted attack", police believe.

The boys, named locally as Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice, were attacked at the house in Milton Keynes at about midnight on Saturday.

Thames Valley Police said those responsible "arrived at the party uninvited, wore face coverings and were armed with knives".

No arrests have been made in the double murder inquiry.

One of the boys died at the scene and the other in hospital.

Another 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man were also hurt and were taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. One has since been discharged.

Thames Valley Police said there was an "increased presence" in the area

Det Ch Supt Ian Hunter described the attack as a "dreadful incident".

"We know that the party was a private birthday party, and although we believe that all of those involved were known to each other, we believe that those responsible arrived at the party uninvited, wore face coverings and they were armed with knives in what appears to be a targeted attack," he said.

Det Ch Supt Hunter said officers were "working around the clock" to trace the suspects.

"I have a clear message to those responsible. We are looking for you and I urge you to hand yourself into a police station as soon as possible," he said.

He said the victims' families were being supported by specially trained officers and post-mortem examinations are due to take place on Tuesday.

Forensic searches were still taking place on Monday

Officers are expected to remain at the scene, which is in a cul-de-sac on a housing estate in the Emerson Valley area, for several days.

Stains of what appeared to be blood could be seen on the front door of a house inside the police cordon.

The two deaths have been labelled "senseless" by those paying tribute to the boys.

Diane Ackah-Sanzah addressed Mr Ansah's family on Facebook and said: "This is so senseless... I am truly heartbroken for you."

Wendy Ince said: "Shocked to hear of the senseless loss of your boy... thinking of you at this awful time", and Kevin Amoakuh said: "So sad, so painful, so untimely."

Family members visited the scene on Sunday to leave flowers

Two of Dom Ansah's cousins laid flowers at the cordon on Sunday afternoon.

"He's come here with his long-time best friend since childhood, comes to a party and both of their lives just got ripped away from them," said one, who did not give her name.

"He was just so respectful to like his family and friends. Many, many people's hearts are broken."

Det Ch Supt Hunter appealed for "anybody who thinks that they have any information, no matter how insignificant you believe this to be, to come forward".