Owen Dunn: Two found guilty of 18-year-old's murder

Owen Dunn, 18, died after being attacked and stabbed in December last year

Two teenagers have been found guilty of murdering 18-year-old Owen Dunn.

Mr Dunn died after suffering "catastrophic" injuries in a stabbing on 4 December in Mazurek Way, Swindon.

Tyler Hunt, 18, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of murder by a jury at Bristol Crown Court.

The court heard Mr Dunn was cycling to meet his girlfriend when he was attacked by the two balaclava-clad youths wielding machetes.

Hunt, of Park South, and the 15-year-old had both denied murder and manslaughter, claiming they were acting in self defence, but the jury decided that they did not believe them.

The court heard Mr Dunn was also carrying a weapon, which was later found by paramedics.

The boys' movements were caught on CCTV and backed up by GPS on Mr Hunt's electronic tag

The 15-year-old - who was 14 at the time - was riding with Mr Hunt when they dropped their bikes to block the path and brandished machetes at about 14:30 GMT, the jury was told.

The teenagers tried to "slash" Mr Dunn in the chest. He suffered one wound just below the armpit, which punctured his heart.

On-lookers rushed to try and help him but it was "clear he was fatally injured" and he was declared dead within an hour.

The prosecution said the pair stayed together for more than an hour after the attack and their movements were caught on CCTV and backed up by GPS on Mr Hunt's electronic tag.

As the verdicts were delivered, the younger defendant started to cry and became angry, mumbling: "No, no."

Judge Justice Stacey addressed the jury and thanked them for their conduct through what she described as "a traumatic case".

Tyler Hunt (pictured) and a 15-year-old boy, were both found guilty of the murder

In a victim impact statement, Mr Dunn's family said their "lives as a family had changed forever".

"We mourn the loss of witnessing his milestones, turning 21, 30, 50, getting married, experiencing parenthood or gaining his independence," they said.

"Owen will never see his brother start a family, his mum reach 50 or have a drink with his cousin for his 18th.

"Our house is quiet, the absence of Owen's laughter and smiles echoes through our home.

"We wait for his return, only to face the heart-breaking reality of bidding him a final farewell."

Owen Dunn and Melissa Beeton were due to celebrate their first anniversary of being a couple

Det Ch Insp Phil Walker said about the verdict: "This case is a sobering example of the real dangers of young people carrying knives.

"In addition to the obvious pain and suffering Owen's death has had on his family and friends, this case had a huge impact on the local community.

"It is never, ever acceptable to carry any weapon out into our communities - it is illegal, dangerous and can have fatal consequences."

Both teenagers had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of a knife.

A pre-sentence report has been requested for the 15-year-old defendant, and sentencing is not expected until sometime in the new year.