Boy, 16, charged with murder of teenager stabbed in Luton park

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a teenager who died from multiple stab wounds in a Luton park, police have said. The victim, a 17-year-old whose identity has not yet been released, was taken to hospital after the attack at Kingsway recreation ground on Friday evening but died shortly afterwards.

Officers were called to the scene shortly after 6:30pm following reports that a group of teenagers were seen carrying large knives. Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were initially arrested on suspicion of violent disorder on Saturday, but were subsequently rearrested on suspicion of murder. The younger male has now been charged with murder and remanded in custody.

In a statement on Sunday, Bedfordshire Police confirmed that three additional 17-year-old boys had been arrested on suspicion of murder, violent disorder, and possession of a weapon. Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardener appealed for witnesses and urged the public not to share distressing videos or images, as they could be harmful to the families involved and hinder the investigation.

Local councillor Zanib Raja also called on people not to share alleged videos of the incident online, writing on Facebook that such footage traumatises the family and fuels fear without helping. She described the attack as a tragedy that has shattered a family and hurt the community, noting that Kingsway Park, once a place of fond memories, should be a safe space for all.