Police have confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old boy suspected of murdering 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 informed and Avon and Somerset Police officers arrested three people over the weekend in connection with the tragedy.
A 15-year-old boy remains in detention while two others have since been released without charge.
Mr Moncrieff was seriously injured in an attack and was pronounced dead at the scene on Bath High Street around 3.30am on Saturday morning.
The victim of a vicious stabbing outside McDonald’s this weekend has been pictured and identified as Ben Moncrieff
Avon and Somerset Police set up a forensic tent outside the fast food restaurant
Police say no official identification has yet been made and the investigation into the murder is ongoing.
Specially trained family liaison officers continue to provide support to Mr Moncrieff’s family following the incident.
His friends have since hailed him as a “loving, fun and hard-working” young man.
Chief Inspector Ronnie Lungu of the Bath Neighborhood Team said: “Our thoughts remain with Ben’s family at this difficult time. Specially trained officers support them and keep them informed as the investigation progresses.
“We ask that his family’s privacy be respected as they seek to come to terms with the events of the past few days.”
Ch Insp Lungu added: “Our Major Crimes Investigation Team is continuing its investigation into what happened, reviewing a significant body of CCTV footage and taking statements from witnesses.
“An extension was granted this afternoon to allow us to continue questioning the person we have in custody.
“We are grateful for the public’s patience and understanding while on-site investigations were conducted and completed yesterday. Additional security patrols are in place and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to officers who are 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 scientists were seen searching trash cans outside the McDonald’s restaurant
Paying tribute to Mr Moncrieff, a friend wrote on GoFundMe: “Unfortunately a dear friend was taken away from us on Saturday morning in the center of Bath.
“Ben was a hard working boy who had his life taken for no reason. The pain we all experience is something words can’t describe, but I hope you’re happy up there – to see us all cherish the many memories we’ve all made with you.
“Ben wasn’t just one of the loveliest people I’ve had the privilege 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 every day when you’re not here with me.
“You will be missed forever, Ben. We will never forget you.’
The GoFundMe page, entitled Giving Ben the farewell he deserves, has so far raised more than £1,500 to help Mr Moncrieff’s family with funeral expenses.
According to The Mirror, investigating officers said a post-mortem would be carried out in due course.
Chief Inspector Ronnie Lungu said yesterday: “Our thoughts first and foremost go to the family of the man who has died at this difficult and incredibly worrying time.
“A murder investigation is ongoing and we are asking for the usefulness of our investigation but more importantly for the wellbeing of the man’s family lest people speculate as to the possible circumstances while they are still ongoing.
“Three people were arrested this morning on suspicion of murder and are being held in custody.”
Chief Inspector Lungu added: “Although such tragic incidents are rare in Bath, people can expect an increased police presence in the area in the coming days while investigations are carried out and officers patrolled.
“We would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to officials who will be happy to help.
“One scene remains at this point. We are aware that this will cause some disruption to the public and businesses today, but ask for your understanding while officials carry out important work to determine what has happened.
A witness previously told reporters he saw a man stab another young man outside of the fast food outlet before security intervened.
A floral tribute was left outside the restaurant as witnesses reported a fatal stabbing
“I was going home and there was about 15 younger people in front of McDonald’s and I saw a man stab a man and he fell to the ground,” the witness said.
“The security service then held the man on the ground. Other security forces gave CPR to try to save him but this was unsuccessful.
“People then tried to get to the boy who was being held. It took the police a while to get there, chaos reigned. Seeing the poor boy dead on the ground will haunt me forever.
“He just looked 18 years old. The police then took the boy away and ambulances arrived.”
Anyone who saw the incident or has footage of the area is urged to call 101 and quote the reference number 5223105088.
MailOnline have reached out to Avon and Somerset Police for comment.
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