Blake Newland: Teenage boy dead and six arrested after stabbing

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Blake NewlandImage source, Family handout
Image caption,

Blake Newland died in hospital after he was stabbed multiple times on Friday night

A 17-year-old boy has died in hospital after being stabbed multiple times in Limavady, County Londonderry.

Blake Newland was attacked in Woodland Walk at about 21:35 GMT on Friday night.

Another man, aged in his 50s, was taken to hospital where his condition has been described as stable.

Six men are under arrest and in custody as part of a murder investigation launched by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Image source, Pacemaker
Image caption,

A police car remains at the scene of a cordon in Woodland Walk, Limavady

Det Insp Mark Gibson said police responded to a report that a man in his 50s had been stabbed.

"Officers attended and while carrying out enquiries they located Blake who was also seriously injured with stab wounds in a nearby house."

Officers have cordoned off part of a housing estate in the town and forensic markers have been placed near the cordon at Woodland Walk.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said three people were taken to hospital in the incident.

'Young people tried to help the victim'

by BBC Newsline's Catherine Morrison, at the scene

Image caption,

Residents in Woodland Walk spoke of their shock over the stabbing

Neighbours of Blake Newland, who was stabbed to death in the town, have spoken of their shock and distress at the incident.

One man described the victim as a "lovely young guy" who would often be seen playing football with the younger children in the community.

He said young people from the area tried to help him, wrapping him in blankets until the emergency services arrived.

An area of grass in between houses has been cordoned off, as has an alleyway running alongside houses.

A police presence remains at the scene.