Bedford: Man arrested over fatal stabbing in Jubilee Park

Officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Canvin Way, Jubilee Park, Bedford, at about 20:45 BST on Thursday

A man has been arrested after a fatal stabbing in a park and police are stepping up patrols over the weekend.

Officers were called to Canvin Way, Jubilee Park, Bedford, at about 20:45 BST on Thursday.

A man in his 20s, who is not being named by Bedfordshire Police, was taken to hospital with stab wounds but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

A man, also in his 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and was in police custody.

A police cordon is in place behind King's Oak Primary School and in part of the park, where a number of officers have been combing the area, some with metal detectors.

Flowers have been laid at one entrance to the park

Flowers have been laid near an entrance. One person, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC he knew the victim who was "a lovely chap".

"[He] had a lot going for him, [he was] a good friend, always bubbly, and it's sad to see that he lost his life," he said.

"It just reinforces that knife crime is a very prominent issue that needs to be resolved and I feel like they're trying all they can to get on top of the issue, but it's still not enough.

"I heard about it last night and I didn't want to believe it... but it's all to common for something like this to be happening."

A number of police officers have been combing the area, some with metal detectors

Another local resident, Jeffrey Vorberg, said: "Usually you don't hear [of things like] this in this area so it's a bit concerning, especially for families.

"It's a bit scary... I used to live in London and I used to hear quite frequently that this sort of stuff had happened. I know it can happen everywhere, but you don't hear it as much here."

'Isolated incident'

Det Ch Insp Katie Dounias, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "We believe this is an isolated incident and would like to reassure the public that we don't think there is a wider threat at this time.

"Officers will be conducting high visibility patrols in the community over the weekend, whilst we continue our investigation."

The force has called for anyone with any information to come forward.

A funfair is due to be held in the park over the weekend