Police have confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old boy suspected of killing a man who was stabbed to death outside a McDonald’s.
Ben Moncrieff was pronounced dead at the scene in Southgate Street, Bath city center, after emergency services were called just before 3.30am on Saturday.
His family have been notified and Avon and Somerset police have arrested three in connection with the weekend tragedy.
A 15-year-old boy remains in custody, while two others have since been released without charge.
Mr Moncrieff was seriously injured in an attack and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene on Bath’s High Street around 3.30am on Saturday morning.
The victim of a vicious stabbing outside McDonald’s over the weekend was pictured and named Ben Moncrieff
Avon and Somerset Police set up a forensic tent outside the fast food restaurant
Police said no official identification has yet taken place and investigations into the murder are continuing.
Specially trained family liaison officers continue to support Mr. Moncrieff’s family after the incident.
His friends have since paid tribute to him as a “loving, funny and hardworking” young man.
Chief Inspector Ronnie Lungu, of the Bath Borough Team, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Ben’s family at this difficult time. Specially trained officers provide support and continue to update them as the investigation progresses.
“We ask that his family’s privacy be respected as they try to come to terms with the events of the past two days.”
Ch Insp Lungu added: “Our Major Crimes Investigation team continues to advance their investigations into what happened, reviewing a significant amount of CCTV footage and taking witness statements.
“An extension has been granted this afternoon to allow us to continue questioning the individual we have in custody.
“We are grateful for the patience and understanding of the public while investigations were carried out at the scene and these were concluded yesterday. Additional comfort patrols are taking place and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak with the officers who will be happy to stop and help.
“Anyone with information who has not yet come forward is asked to call us on 101 and quote reference number 5223105088. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.”
Mr Moncrieff was pronounced dead at the scene in Southgate Street, Bath city center after emergency services were called before 3.30am on Saturday.
Forensic officers were seen searching bins outside the McDonald’s restaurant
Paying tribute to Mr Moncrieff, a friend wrote on GoFundMe: ‘Sadly a friend dear to many was taken from us on Saturday morning in central Bath.
“Ben was a hard working boy who had his life taken away for no reason. The pain we all feel is something words can’t describe, but I hope you’re happy up there – see us all cherish the many memories we have all created with you.
“Ben was not only one of the most loving people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, he was also the funniest.
“He brought endless smiles to everyone who was lucky enough to meet him and will never be forgotten.”
He added, “I’m so lucky to have made so many memories with you and I will cherish them everyday, you’re not here with me.”
‘We will miss you forever Ben. We will never forget you.’
The GoFundMe page, titled ‘Give Ben the send off he deserves’, has so far raised over £1,500 to help Mr Moncrieff’s family with funeral costs.
Investigators said an autopsy would be carried out in due course, according to The Mirror.
Chief Inspector Ronnie Lungu said yesterday: ‘First and foremost our hearts go out to the family of the deceased man at this difficult and incredibly upsetting time.
“A murder investigation is ongoing and we would like to ask for the benefit of our investigations, but above all the well-being of the man’s family, that people refrain from speculating about possible circumstances while this continues.”
“Three people were arrested this morning on suspicion of murder and are in custody.”
Chief Inspector Lungu added: ‘While such tragic incidents are rare in Bath, people can expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the next few days as investigative inquiries are carried out. and that officer patrols are conducted.
“We encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak with the officers who will be happy to assist you.
“A scene remains in place at this time. We appreciate this will cause disruption to the public and businesses today, but please ask for understanding as officers do important work to establish what happened.
A witness previously told reporters he saw a man stab another young man outside the fast food chain, before security intervened.
A floral tribute was left outside the restaurant as witnesses reported a fatal stabbing
“I was walking home and there were about 15 young people outside McDonald’s and I saw a man stab a man and he fell to the ground,” the witness said.
“Security then restrained the male to the ground. Other security guards asked the CPR to try to save him, but it was unsuccessful.
“People then tried to reach the boy who was being held. The police took a long time to arrive, it was chaos. Seeing the poor boy on the floor dead will live with me forever.
“He only looked like he was around 18. The police then took the boy away and ambulances arrived.
Anyone who has seen the incident or has footage of the surrounding area is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5223105088.
MailOnline has contacted Avon and Somerset Police for comment.