Fatal Stabbing Near De Montfort University Shocks Leicester

Leicester was left reeling this week after a fatal stabbing near De Montfort University claimed the life of a student in his 20s, sparking a major police investigation and outpourings of shock and grief across the city. The incident, which unfolded just after 5pm on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the corner of Oxford Street and Bonners Lane, has disrupted daily life and prompted urgent calls for information from authorities, as well as heartfelt statements from university officials, local politicians, and members of the public.

According to Leicestershire Police, the tragedy began with an altercation between two men in the street, culminating in the fatal stabbing of the De Montfort University student. The suspect, an 18-year-old man, was swiftly arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody as of Wednesday, February 4. Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, the senior investigating officer, described the ongoing efforts: “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.” (Express)

The immediate aftermath saw emergency services rushing to the scene. Witnesses recounted harrowing moments as bystanders attempted to help the victim before paramedics arrived. One De Montfort University student told the PA news agency, “I just saw a person on the floor and getting CPR. I was going back home then I just saw the police around and saw the person on the floor.” (Express) Another eyewitness, Tye Crofton, a 19-year-old software engineer working at the Innovation Centre, told the BBC, “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.” Crofton added that a member of the public began performing CPR and that others were on the phone to emergency services. (BBC)

Despite these efforts, the victim was transported to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later. The loss sent shockwaves through the university and the wider Leicester community. De Montfort University’s Vice-chancellor, Professor Katie Normington, expressed the institution’s profound sorrow: “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.” (Express)

The De Montfort Students’ Union echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community in times of crisis: “We are deeply saddened by the news shared by the university today. At a university like ours, our community is held together by our bonds with one another, and nothing brings that into sharper focus than when something so devastating happens. We know this will be unsettling for many students, and we want to reassure you that the university, the students’ union and your student voice leaders are here to support you. If you need support, someone to talk to, or simply reassurance, please reach out. You are not alone, and we are holding this together as a community.” (Express)

As news of the stabbing spread, local and national politicians responded with concern and calls for calm. Conservative MP for Leicester East, Shivani Raja, said, “I understand this will be troubling for many residents across the city and want to assure residents that I am in regular contact with both Leicestershire Police and De Montfort University to offer my support. I want to thank the emergency services for their quick action, bravery and continued efforts.” (Express) South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa urged the public to “follow police updates and avoid speculation while the investigation continues,” highlighting the need for facts over rumor during such sensitive times. (Express)

Rupert Matthews, Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, described the stabbing as a “horrific, and shocking, incident.” He assured the public that police were “working tirelessly to bring the person, or persons, responsible to justice,” and encouraged anyone with information to step forward: “A young man’s life has been unnecessarily cut short, and that is a tragedy. I have been kept fully briefed by the Chief Constable, and I am aware that an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody. In addition, local officers will be in the area over the coming days carrying out reassurance patrols. I urge anyone with information that may help the enquiry to come forward, and of course, they can speak to local officers about any concerns they may have.” (Express)

In the hours and days following the incident, a large police cordon was established around the scene, with road closures leading to significant congestion in Leicester’s city center. The disruption affected not only university students and staff but also patients and employees at the nearby Leicester Royal Infirmary. The hospital trust advised people to allow extra time for their journeys, and bus companies warned of severe delays due to the closures. (BBC, Express)

Police officers conducted thorough searches around Oxford Street and the university campus, with a particular focus on shrubbery outside the Innovation Centre, using wooden poles to look for evidence. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and officers are actively speaking to witnesses. Detective Inspector Granville made a direct appeal: “If you were one of these people and you haven’t yet spoken to police, please make contact with us. 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.” (Express)

Local councillors and MPs from across the political spectrum expressed their concerns and offered support to the university and affected families. Liz Sahu, speaking for Castle ward councillors, said, “Local councillors are very concerned and worried to read about the serious incident that occurred at DMU last night. I hope and pray that everyone is safe. I believe the university is offering support to its staff and students. We will seek to discuss this incident and other worrying incidents that have recently occurred in our city with the police.” (Express)

While the investigation is ongoing, police have been keen to quash rumors and misinformation. Leicestershire Police clarified, “Speculation is unhelpful, but we can confirm that this was not a mass stabbing. Further details will be published shortly on our website and social media channels.” (Express) The force is urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dash cam footage to contact them, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing clarity and justice to this tragic event.

As Leicester comes to terms with this shocking loss, the city’s resilience and sense of community have been on full display. Support services remain available for students and staff, and authorities continue their diligent search for answers, determined to ensure that justice is served and that the memory of the young victim is honored with action and care.