Knowle West stabbings: Community trying to build strength from tragedy

Knowle West residents paid their respects at the funerals of Max Dixon and Mason Rist

A heartbroken community has come together in an outpouring of grief following the funerals of two teenagers who were fatally stabbed. Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15, died in Knowle West, Bristol, on 27 January. Now an anti-knife campaigner says people are trying to build strength from tragedy.

"They're young children, they shouldn't be burying their schoolmates," said anti-knife campaigner, Leanne Reynolds.

Max's funeral was held on Thursday, with his best friend Mason's on Friday, with both services attended by family, friends and the local community.

"There are no words," said Ms Reynolds.

"The boys were best friends. It's bad enough going to one funeral, but to have to do it all again the following day is really sad."

Leanne Reynolds is the founder of the Bristol Bleed Kit Campaign

There were no flowers at the boys' funerals and instead all donations were given to the Bristol Bleed Kit Campaign, which is run by Ms Reynolds.

She is installing kits, which contain equipment including bandages and tourniquets to help stem the flow of blood in an emergency, at locations across Bristol.

Ms Reynolds said each kit had the potential to save a life in the crucial moments before an ambulance can arrive.

The kits contain equipment including bandages and tourniquets, to help stem the flow of blood

"One of my kits was used to save a young boy's leg, and potentially his life, so I know they work," she said.

"All the money will go back into purchasing bleed kits and putting them out in the community and training young people to use them.

"It's hopefully going to make a change. It's a preventative tool."

Mason Rist (left) and Max Dixon (right) died after being stabbed in Knowle West on 27 January

The deaths of Max and Mason have prompted a robust response from the Newquay Road Partnership (NRP), a group of Knowle West residents formed six months ago to address the issue of knife crime faced by the community.

It liaises directly with youth workers, councillors, police, schools, businesses and the organisation Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI).

NRP believes it is uniquely placed to offer insights into the community, but has been highly critical of Bristol City Council, claiming concerns the members raised about the issue of knives in October last year were not listened to.

The Newquay Road Partnership was formed to address youth knife crime

Chair of NRP, Carol Casey, said: "Sadly, despite our warnings, the council did not take the necessary action.

"This underscores the urgent need for the council to recognise and appreciate the expertise of community groups like ours, as we possess the grassroots level and first-hand knowledge of the realities within our neighbourhood."

The group's top priority is the reopening of the former Eagle House Youth Centre as a youth club and community hub. A petition has already gained more than 1,000 signatures.

• Knife crime in Bristol: Your questions answered

• Mayor asks university to help tackle knife crime

• Action demanded over Bristol 'knife crime scourge'

"Since issuing the petition the council have not replied to us," said Ms Casey.

"They have taken no steps whatsoever to hand this building back to the community despite saying they care.

"We have an organisation ready to run the club and are just waiting for the council to act rather than sitting on their hands and ignoring the community."

Bristol City Council has been approached for comment.

Family and friends wore the colours of Mason's beloved Liverpool FC at his funeral on Friday

Seven people have been charged - five with murder and two with assisting an offender - in connection with the deaths of Max and Mason. They remain in custody.

Over just 18 days at the end of January and beginning of February, it was not only the two friends who lost their lives.

Darrian Williams, 16, died after being stabbed in Rawnsley Park, Easton, and in March, Alex Mamwa, 30, was killed in a stabbing in St Paul's.

Avon and Somerset Police launched an operation earlier this month to tackle serious violence and knife crime involving young people.

The operation includes high-visibility patrols and the targeting of habitual knife carriers.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Peter Warren said: "What we have seen in recent weeks in Bristol is nothing short of tragic.

"Children are being seriously injured and killed by people of the same age. It cannot be allowed to happen.

"We know we cannot police our way out of this, but we hope that our actions will provide some reassurance to communities that we are taking this seriously."

Floral tributes were left to Max and Mason

The force is also helping the Bristol Bleed Kit Campaign by installing the emergency equipment in and around the city.

Ms Reynolds said although she believed the issue of knife crime had worsened in Bristol in the past year, she hoped, with the support of the local community, to improve the situation.

"The deaths of these two boys affected the whole community in such a way that we just have to be around these families to build their strength, and build the whole community back," she said.

"It's absolutely fantastic, the love people have shown, and what people have done."