Bristol stabbing latest: Man, 44, appears in court after teenage boys stabbed to death

It is alleged that Snook, of Dowling Road, Hartcliffe, murdered the teenagers on Ilminster Road in Knowle West on January 27. The defendant, dressed in a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a short hearing at the court.

District Judge Lynne Matthews told him: “You are charged that on January 27 at Ilminster Road in Knowle West you murdered Mason Rist. Youare also charged that on January 27 at Ilminster Road you murdered Max Dixon.

“This court has no power to entertain an application for bail. I now send this matter to the crown court at Bristol, where you will be produced either in person or by a video link tomorrow.”

Local residents rushed to help the teenagers after the attack on Saturday night, while emergency services rushed to the scene shortly later. Despite the efforts of staff at Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, both youngsters died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Snook was charged with two counts of murder on Wednesday. Avon and Somerset Police said seven other people had been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Two 15-year-old boys, a 16-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A 46-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The force said a 20-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. He has since been released with no further action in relation to the murder offence and bailed in relation to the offensive weapon offence.