Teenagers killed in house party stabbing ‘were known to each other’

Around 15-20 people were at a birthday party where the two 17-year-old boys were murdered.

Two teenage boys murdered in a double stabbing in Milton Keynes last night have been named locally.

The victims have been identified as Benjamin Rice and Dominic Ansah, both 17, with police revealing they were ‘likely’ to have been known to each other.

Investigators confirmed the boys were murdered at a house party in Archford Croft, in the Emerson Valley area, at around midnight last night.

Those ‘directly involved’ are thought to have been invited to the birthday party, detective chief superintendent Ian Hunter said.

One of the teenage victims – who are believed to have both lived locally – died at the scene while the other died a short time later in hospital.

A double murder investigation, which police today described as ‘dynamic and fast moving’, has since been launched.

Police said they would be confirming the names of the victims in due course.

Two other males, aged 17 and 23, were injured during the incident. Their injuries are serious but not life threatening, police said.

In a statement this afternoon, DCS Hunter said officers were called at 11.59pm to reports of a stabbing.

He said: ‘Clearly this is a dreadful incident and we are in the very early stages of the investigation.

‘We have deployed significant resources and it is, and will continue to be, a fast moving investigation led by our Major Crime Unit.

‘Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims and we have deployed specially trained officers to support them.’

He continued: ‘We remain on the scene at Archford Croft in Emerson Valley and a scene has been cordoned off while the investigation continues. This scene is likely to remain for several days.

‘I fully appreciate the concern that this will cause in the local community and beyond, but at this early stage, I believe the people directly involved in this incident are all likely to have known each other.’

He added that ‘around 15 to 20 people’ were at the house party last night and all those present were speaking to police.

On Sunday, what appeared to be blood was smeared across the front door of a house in Archford Croft.

Two forensic officers could be seen inspecting an object on the driveway next to a black BMW.

One neighbour – who did not wish to be named – said she heard a ‘commotion’ involving screaming, shortly before midnight, but did not see what happened.

She added: ‘The police were here pretty quick.’

Another neighbour, who lives in an adjacent cul-de-sac, said that she knew the boys but declined to give their names.

She said: ‘This gang of kids have been hanging around Archford Croft – it’s all gang-related.

‘We do know that there was a house party at the time, not here but another part of Emerson. I think it’s just because there was a house party and then the trouble started from there.’

One woman, whose home overlooks the property’s garden, said she did not see or hear anything and described the neighbourhood as ‘peaceful’.

She said: ‘It’s just a nice peaceful part of Milton Keynes. There’s never been any incidents, not since I’ve been here, which is quite a while now.’

The MP for Milton Keynes South said he was shocked and that he would be speaking to police.

Iain Stewart wrote on Twitter: ‘I offer my deepest condolences to the families affected and am available to offer them assistance.’

DCS Hunter added: ‘There will be an increased police presence in Emerson Valley and if you have anything you wish to raise, or any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to officers.

The next of kin of both victims have been informed and are being supported by officers.

No arrests have yet been made.