Boy, 16, dies after being stabbed in neck in Huddersfield

A murder investigation has been launched after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Huddersfield.

Emergency services were called to Ramsden Street in the town centre at about 14:45 BST on Thursday and the boy was taken to hospital where he later died from injuries to his neck.

West Yorkshire Police said a 20-year-old man from Kirkburton had been arrested on suspicion of murder and another man, 22, and woman, 20, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A crime scene remains in place around New Street and Ramsden Street as officers investigate.

The scene stretches from the borough’s town hall up to the road’s junction with New Street.

Pedestrianised New Street had been host to a number of stalls for a continental market on the day of the incident.

One man, who did not want to be named, said he saw the teenager being stabbed and went to try and help.

“I went to get a first aid kit and defib but by the time I got there, emergency services were treating him.

“There was blood all over the pavement. It was awful.”

Some tents from the continental market are unable to open because they form part of the police cordon.

Debra Balmforth, shop manager at Barnados, had arrived at work at 15:00 BST when the area in front of the store was being cordoned off.

“We had no idea what had happened at first. Customers then started coming in saying there was blood on the precinct and someone had been stabbed.

“It was a sunny day yesterday, there were lots of people in town given the food market was on too.

“It’s shocking that something like that can happen in a main shopping precinct in the middle of the day. It’s just so sad.”

One of the stall holders said it was his first visit to Huddersfield as part of the continental market.

“It’s heartbreaking that a young lad has lost his life. Sixteen is no age at all. Knife crime is terrifying.”

There are plenty of people in and around the precinct, which is in the heart of the town, trying to get inside to park or visit shops and businesses.

But they are all rebuffed as the streets around Huddersfield’s imposing town hall are sealed off.

Dozens of police officers are in the area and there are forensic teams carrying out searches.

This attack happened in broad daylight yesterday, there was a food market going on in the town centre so there were lots of people around.

The shoppers and businesses I’ve been speaking to are understandably feeling very shocked.

Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Damian Roebuck said: “This is a tragic incident where a young man has lost his life as a result of a knife injury.

“We have a team of dedicated detectives who are at the scene and investigating this fatal attack.

“Our initial investigations do indicate that it was an isolated incident, and local neighbourhood officers are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.”

He added: “I want to thank witnesses who have come forward so far and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that can help our enquiry to please come forward.”

Kirklees Council leader Carole Pattison said she was “deeply shocked” by the incident, adding: “My thoughts are with the family of the victim and everyone who has been affected.”

Ms Pattison said: “Huddersfield remains open for business today but some parts of the town centre will be closed off to allow police to do their work.

“Visitors to the town centre will also see an increased police presence both to support the investigation and to reassure our community.”