Secondary school in Northampton CLOSED to pupils as police launch murder investigation after 16-year-old stabbed

Kingsthorpe College will be closed to pupils tomorrow (Thursday) following a fatal stabbing in Northampton.

Just before 9pm this evening (Wednesday), Northamptonshire Police confirmed a murder investigation had been launched following the death of a 16-year-old in the Kingsthorpe area of town.

A notice on Kingsthorpe College’s website this evening reads: “Due to an ongoing incident in the community, Kingsthorpe College will not be open to students on Thursday 23rd March 2023.

“We will communicate plans for Friday 24th March 2023 as soon as we are able to.”

Officers were called at about 3.35pm this afternoon to Harborough Road, close to the junction with The Cock Hotel following reports that a boy had been stabbed.

Forensics arrived at the scene just before 6pm and a police tent was erected in the road.

Sadly, and despite the best efforts of paramedics, he died shortly afterwards, a police spokesman said.

“Four males aged 49, 21, 16 and 14, have been arrested in connection with the boy’s death and remain in police custody at this time.

“A police cordon in Harborough Road, between the junction with The Cock Hotel and Waitrose, is expected to remain in place overnight and into tomorrow as the investigation into this serious incident continues.

“In addition to house-to-house enquiries, an increased police presence will also remain in the area, including high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance and support the community. Anyone who has any concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer,” the spokesman added.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Simon Barnes, said: “This is an exceptionally sad and tragic incident in which a young boy with his whole life ahead of him has died and I want to reassure the public that we are absolutely determined to bring the people involved to justice.

“Arrests were promptly made this evening, and enquiries are continuing to move at a fast pace however I would still appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information who has not yet come forward, to please do so.

“Whilst we do believe that this was an isolated incident, high-visibility police patrols will be taking place in the Kingsthorpe area to reassure the local community and I would encourage anyone with concerns in the area to approach one of our officers who will be happy to help.”

Witnesses, anyone with information, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dash-cam footage of the area at the time, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 23000174855.

Alternatively information can be submitted via an online portal: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or by calling Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

UPDATE: Floral tributes have been placed at the scene. Police officers and a cordon remain in place this morning (Thursday March 23).

UPDATE: Police appeal for any information, no matter how small.