Community left 'shaken' following murder of 16-year-old boy in Peterborough

The areas of Misterson and Riseholme have been rocked by the news that a 16-year-old boy has been murdered in the area.

Police were called to the incident at just after 7pm on Sunday night but despite the best effort of paramedics, the boy passed away in hospital later that night.

A 15-year-old and 18-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 17-year-old girl from Peterborough has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 16-year-old girl from March has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession of a bladed article.

Orton Waterville ward councillor and local resident Kirsty Knight has said that the community has been left ‘shaken’ by the incident but she wished to thank the two members of the public who stepped into give the boy CPR in an attempt to save his life.

Cllr Knight said: “This has been an upsetting incident for our community. Our thoughts are with the young lad, his family and friends, and we are incredibly grateful to those who stepped in to help, a reminder of the care and compassion that runs through the Ortons.

“Two members of the public assisted with CPR while another called emergency services, their swift and selfless actions showing the very best of our community.”

Fellow Orton Waterville councillor Julie Stevenson said: “Tragically, a 16-year-old boy has lost his life in our community. This is a deeply shocking incident, and my thoughts are with his family, friends and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time.

"I would like to thank the emergency service responders and local police for their swift attendance on Sunday, and for their prompt action in bringing those suspected of involvement into custody.

"Incidents like this will be felt across our whole community, and I urge anyone with information about what happened to contact the police.”

The Orton Green party said: “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic event last night that took place near the Ortongate Centre, we know this will also have shocked the local community and those living nearby.

"We urge any residents who witnessed anything that may have a connection to this incident to contact and report to the police.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the boy's family and friends at this difficult time.'

Some residents at the scene shared their thoughts with the Peterborough Telegraph, with one commenting: “there are took many children carrying knives these days thinking it makes them look tough. It’s worrying what a nasty place the world has become. My thoughts are with the boy’s family at this tragic time.”

Another said: “It is so sad to see this. I grew up here and have never seen anything like it. It’s heartbreaking to see a young life lost and more young lives now facing the consequences. Just a tragic waste.”

Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Paul Bristow, added: “This is a deeply tragic incident and one that is not typical of Peterborough and our wider region.

"First and foremost, my thoughts are with the murdered boy’s family, friends and loved ones at this devastating time.

“I have spoken with Superintendent Ben Martin and have been reassured by the police response and the action being taken as the investigation into this appalling crime continues.

“It is a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant in tackling knife crime, and I hope this serves as a wake-up call to the whole region about the need to do more to prevent further tragedies like this.”