student in his 20s stabbed to death near de montfort university

A knife that was seen in bushes on Grange Lane,Leicester,is removed by forensic officers (Picture: Anita Maric / SWNS)

A student has been stabbed to death near De Montfort University in Leicester in a ‘very serious incident’ on campus.

The victim,in his 20s,collapsed on Oxford Street yesterday evening and was taken to hospital where he died later.

Leicestershire Police believe he was involved in an altercation with another man on the street before his death – but left the scene before officers arrived.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A small,serrated knife found near the scene in Grange Lane was removed by forensic officers.

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Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.Tye Crofton,a 19-year-old software engineer told the BBC they heard a scream after finishing work.‘Two or three minutes past five,as I exited the door,I saw a man lying on the ground covered with coats by around 12 or 17 bystanders,’ they said.Crofton said a passerby began performing CPR on the victim.‘I didn’t really know to react initially,” they added.‘There was someone else there that had phones up to each ear,and I assumed that they were already on the phone to emergency services.’A police car parked at the cordon outside Leicester’s De Montfort University (Picture: Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP)Vice-chancellor of De Montfort University Professor Katie Normington,said: ‘We are devastated by the tragic death of one of our students.‘Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students,staff and the family of the victim. We are working with Leicestershire Police as they investigate this tragic incident.‘Thank you for the messages of support we have been receiving from the community of Leicester – it is a city that knows how to stand together in moments like this.’Police on Oxford Street,sweeping the scene (Picture: Anita Maric/SWNS)Detective Inspector Lorna Granville said: ‘We are currently piecing together exactly what has occurred on the corner of Oxford Street and Bonners Lane between,what is reported,as two men involved in a confrontation.‘One of the men is believed to have been stabbed and has then collapsed in the street. Despite the best efforts of medical staff he died in hospital.‘CCTV in the area is currently being reviewed and officers are speaking to potential witnesses to assist with our investigation.‘We know a lot of people came to the aid of the victim before emergency services arrived and we want to thank them for their help.‘The incident happened at 5pm so we know the area was also busy with motorists driving along Oxford Street.‘If you saw anything or captured footage on dash cam as you drove past the area we would also like to hear from you.’A spokesperson for the university said: ‘We are aware of a very serious incident on our campus.Police at the scene by De Montford University’s Innovation Centre (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)The scene around DeMontfort University on Wednesday morning‘We are working with Leicestershire Police as they launch an immediate investigation.‘Our thoughts are with everyone affected by what has happened. We are offering direct support to students and staff who witnessed the incident.’East Midlands Ambulance Service said: ‘The caller reported a medical emergency. We sent a paramedic in an ambulance car,three crewed ambulances and a responder from the air ambulance was also in attendance.‘We transported one patient to Leicester Royal Infirmary.’The section of the city that has been closed by police also cuts off access to Leicester Royal Infirmary,with staff asked to show their ID to officers.LBC News reported staff at student accommodation had told police that parents were ‘calling them in tears as they can’t get hold of their children’.Got a story?