The teenage boys killed in a stabbing attack in Bristol have been named locally as Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15.
The pair were stabbed in Knowle West at about 11.20pm on Saturday and died later in hospital, Avon and Somerset police said.
Police said the attackers fled from the scene in a car. The force has launched a murder investigation and has arrested a 44-year-old man and 15-year-old boy, who remain in custody.
The Bristol commander Supt Mark Runacres said at a press conference: “There are further suspects that are being sought amongst the group that we believe are responsible.”
He added it remained unclear whether the attackers knew the victims.
In a tribute on Facebook, Mason’s sister Kayleigh said: “My baby brother … one of a kind you are. You sleep tight. A beautiful, kind soul gone. Just taken 16 years so young and innocent oh my heart is broken.
“I really hope you know how much we love you. How much I love you. You will be missed kiddo I’ll always look out for you in every sunset, shine bright lil’ bro.”
A vigil was held on Sunday at the scene where the boys were stabbed, with members of the community lighting candles.
Max’s football coach, Scott Alden, posted a message on Facebook in which he described him as “a very talented footballer”.
He wrote: “I had the pleasure of knowing you and coaching you since you were a young boy, you were the cheekiest, happy, funniest boy a very talented footballer who loved his family and friends.
“I’m so sorry this happened to you, the world is a cruel and dangerous place now.”
Runacres said officers wanted to speak with passengers who were on a bus on Ilminster Avenue, where the stabbings occurred, at the time. He added that several witnesses had been identified.
He said: “Our collective thoughts are with their families at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time. Specialist family liaison officers will now be assigned to the families to provide them with support and keep them updated on the investigation.
“A cordon is in place on Ilminster Avenue between Newquay Road and Tavistock Road, and members of the public can expect to see a large police presence as forensic searches and other inquiries are conducted.”
Formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place. A forensic postmortem investigation will be carried out.
In a statement, Runacres said: “[I’m] frustrated that offences like this will take place anywhere. It’s demoralising. But it makes me determined to support the community. [And] it makes me determined to work with the team of police officers we have committed to this to identify those [responsible] and bring them to justice.”
A meeting is being held at midday on Monday for community members to talk to the police and council.
Runacres urged the public not to speculate or share images linked to the killings online.
He said: “It is extremely important there should be no commentary or sharing of information or images online which could in any way prejudice and any future proceedings. It can be an offence to identify anyone who witnessed all or part of the incident as well as those who have been arrested.
“I’d also like to remind people of the impact the sharing of images, footage or even discussing the incident online may have on the families of the two boys. They are already going through the most difficult of times and you may cause them further upset.”
