Bristol stabbings: Families pay tribute after deaths of 'best friends'

Best friends Mason and Max playing video games with each other

The family of a teenage boy fatally stabbed in Bristol say there are "not enough words to describe the pain we are feeling".

Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, died after being attacked in the Knowle West area of the city on 27 January.

Seven people have been charged, five with murder, in connection with the two boys' deaths and all have been remanded into custody.

Mason's family said he and his best friend Max will be "together forever".

Max's family said he was "loved by many"

Max and Mason were attacked in Ilminster Avenue and taken by ambulance to Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

A total of 13 people have now been arrested by Avon and Somerset Police as part of the inquiry into their deaths.

Max's family, who also released a tribute to their son, thanked everyone for the support for the two boys.

"The world is worse off not having you in it," they said.

Mason (left) and Max (right) were fatally stabbed in Bristol in January

Mason's family released a statement through Avon and Somerset Police saying he was set to start college later this year before his life was "cruelly taken from him".

"Our dearest Mason, loved by many, a precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many," they said.

"There are not enough words to describe the pain we are feeling as a family.

"A kind, gentle soul who loved his PlayStation and Liverpool Football Club.

"We have found some comfort in the knowledge that you left this world with your best friend, Max. You will now be together forever. Also back with your dad.

"We will all miss you forever, until we meet again. We all love you so much. YNWA."

Max pictured with his mum Leanne Ekland and sisters Jade, Kayleigh and Jasmine

Max's mum Leanne Ekland, sisters Jade, Kayleigh and Jasmine, and his mum's partner Trevor Silk said: "You were respectful, fun, cheeky, you were a mummy's boy.

"You were a loyal friend, kind grandchild, loving nephew, annoying brother to your sisters and a loving son.

"Everyone will miss that cheeky grin of yours."

A provisional trial date of 7 October has been fixed for the group facing murder charges.

They include four youths, aged 14, 15, 16 and 17, and 44-year-old Anthony Snook, of Hartcliffe.

Jamie Ogbourne, 26, of Bishport Avenue and 22-year-old Bailey Westcott, of Vowell Close, who are both accused of two charges of assisting an offender, will also appear.

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