A murder investigation has been launched by Leicestershire Police following a fatal stabbing incident near De Montfort University in Leicester. The tragic event occurred on Tuesday evening, resulting in the death of a man in his 20s.
Emergency Response to Oxford Street Incident
Police were called to Oxford Street, near the junction with Bonners Lane, at approximately 5pm on Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Officers received reports that a man had collapsed in the street, with information received en route indicating he had been stabbed.
Emergency services including paramedics from East Midlands Ambulance Service rushed to the scene. The ambulance service confirmed they dispatched multiple resources including a paramedic in an ambulance car, three crewed ambulances, and an air ambulance responder.
Victim Succumbs to Injuries
The victim was transported urgently to Leicester Royal Infirmary for emergency treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the man could not be saved and died a short time after arriving at the hospital.
Initial police investigations suggest the stabbing followed a dispute between two men in the street. According to authorities, the altercation occurred before emergency services arrived at the location.
Arrest Made in Connection with Fatal Incident
An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. The arrest forms part of the ongoing murder investigation being conducted by detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team.
Police have established multiple cordons around the scene, which is located to the southwest of Leicester city centre. Forensic and search specialists are conducting detailed examinations of the area as part of the investigation.
Police Appeal for Witness Information
Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, the Senior Investigating Officer, has made a public appeal for information. She confirmed that officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and speaking to potential witnesses who may have seen the incident.
"We are currently piecing together exactly what has occurred on the corner of Oxford Street and Bonners Lane," said DI Granville. "We know a lot of people came to the aid of the victim before emergency services arrived and we want to thank them for their help."
The police are particularly interested in speaking to:
- Anyone who witnessed the altercation between two men
- Motorists who were driving along Oxford Street around 5pm
- People who may have captured dash cam or mobile phone footage
- Individuals who assisted the victim before emergency services arrived
University Response and Community Impact
De Montfort University has acknowledged the "very serious incident" around their campus. A university spokesman stated: "We are working with Leicestershire Police as they launch an immediate investigation. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by what has happened."
The university is offering direct support to students and staff who witnessed the incident. Local police officers will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area over the coming days to address community concerns.
Ongoing Investigation Details
Police have confirmed that the investigation will include:
- Comprehensive review of available CCTV footage
- Detailed forensic examination of the scene
- Witness interviews with people present in the area
- Analysis of any mobile phone or dash cam footage
Road closures have been implemented around the incident location, causing disruption in the city centre. Police have indicated they are working to reduce this impact as soon as possible while maintaining the integrity of their investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Leicestershire Police on 101, quoting incident number 495 of 3 February 2026.
