Leicester Student Killed In Campus Stabbing Prompts Inquiry

Leicester was rocked on Tuesday evening when a student in his 20s was fatally stabbed near De Montfort University, prompting a major police investigation and sparking deep concerns about safety in the city. The incident, which occurred around 5pm on Oxford Street near the junction with Bonners Lane, set off a rapid response from emergency services and led to widespread disruption in the city centre.

According to Leicestershire Police, officers were called after reports that a man had collapsed in the street. It was soon confirmed that the man, a student at De Montfort University (DMU), had been stabbed during a confrontation with another man. Emergency services—including multiple police units, fire crews, and ambulance teams—rushed to the scene. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the victim died shortly after being transported to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

East Midlands Ambulance Service released a statement on Wednesday, February 4, confirming the extent of the response: “We sent a paramedic in an ambulance car, three crewed ambulances and a responder from the air ambulance was also in attendance.” The service confirmed that one patient had been transported to the hospital following what authorities described as a “very serious incident” near the DMU campus.

Leicestershire Police quickly established a large cordon around the area, closing several key roads including Oxford Street, Carlton Street, Grange Lane, and Bonners Lane. These closures persisted into Wednesday morning as officers continued their investigation. The force urged the public to avoid the area, stating, “This road has currently been closed while we deal with a police incident. Please avoid the area.”

Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, the senior investigating officer, provided further details about the circumstances: “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.” She emphasized the importance of community assistance, adding, “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. If you were one of these people and you haven’t yet spoken to police, please make contact with us.”

Authorities confirmed that an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. The police noted that the suspect left the scene before officers arrived but was later apprehended. Detective Inspector Granville also called on motorists who may have been driving along Oxford Street at the time to check their dash cam footage for any relevant evidence.

In the wake of the tragedy, De Montfort University expressed its devastation. Vice-Chancellor Professor Katie Normington said in a statement, “We are devastated to confirm 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 major 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.”

The university has pledged to work closely with police and to provide direct support to those affected, including students and staff who may have witnessed the event. Security officers from the university were seen at the scene alongside police, and DMU has reiterated its commitment to student welfare during this difficult time.

As news of the incident spread, local residents and students voiced their concerns about safety in Leicester. One student, who lives near where the incident took place, told Leicester Live, “I can’t believe it, it’s just not safe to come out when it’s dark anymore.” Another resident, Steven, 75, lamented, “I don’t know where is safe anymore, it’s an everyday occurrence now. I’ve lived here for 30 odd years and it’s never been this bad. It’s getting worse.”

Prince Sandhu, a 25-year-old DMU student, described the confusion on campus: “I live nearby and have seen lots of police, but I wasn’t around last night when it happened, so I don’t know what’s been going on. Nobody I’ve spoken to knows either. It seems like a lot of police.”

Leicestershire Police have made clear that this was not a mass stabbing, seeking to quash rumors and speculation circulating online. The force posted on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”

Labour MP for Leicester West, Liz Kendall, also urged restraint, writing, “I am aware that a serious incident took place on De Montfort University Campus yesterday evening, and that a police cordon remains in place this morning. There are no further details currently and I would urge everyone to refrain from speculating whilst investigations continue. De Montfort University are providing support to students and staff who witnessed the event. My thoughts are with those affected by what has happened.”

The incident caused significant disruption, with major roads in the city centre closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. Police have said that local officers will be in the area over the coming days carrying out reassurance patrols and encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to them. The investigation remains ongoing, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to come forward. Anyone who can help is urged to call 101 and quote incident number 495 of February 3.

As Leicester comes to terms with this tragedy, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring that justice is served. The sense of shock and loss is palpable, but so too is the city’s resolve to stand together in the face of adversity.