- By Fiona Lamdin, Leigh Boobyer & Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley
- BBC News, West of England
Max’s mum Leanne Dixon urges parents to search children’s bags
The mother of a boy who was fatally stabbed has urged parents to search their children’s bags after saying her “world will never be the same” again.
Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist,15, died in hospital after being attacked in Knowle West, Bristol, at about 23:20 GMT on Saturday.
About 300 people gathered to release balloons earlier before Max’s mum and sister shared emotional words.
His mum, Leanne Dixon, said the community is “suffering” together.
“This world is never ever going to be the same without them,” she said.
“Please check kid’s bags, kid’s phones. You’re their parents, you’ve got every right to search your children.”
Image source, Avon and Somerset Police
Mason Rist (left) and Max Dixon (right) died after being attacked by a number of people
Surrounded by members of the community, she added: “Please try and keep them safe, I tried to keep my boy safe. I’d done so much for him, all the girls, everyone tried to do everything for him and I could not keep my boy safe.
“I tried but unfortunately I’ve lost my boy and I’m never going to see that kid again.
“I don’t want anybody else to go through what I’m going through and what Mason’s mum is going through.”
Family members, friends and members of the community released dozens of balloons into the air in tribute to the young boys.
Ms Dixon pleaded with parents to try and keep their children safe from knife crime
Max’s sister said she would give anything to see his “smile again”
Max’s sister, Kayleigh, 22, went on to read a poem to the gathered crowd that she wrote describing her love and the loss of her brother.
“Remember us in your thoughts and memories,” she said.
“Of the times we’ve loved, cried, fought and laughed.
“If you always think of us you will never be gone.
“Always remember my little brother Max and Mason.
“They’re so innocent, they’re so innocent.”
The community released balloons in tribute to the boys
She added that she would do anything to bring her brother back and “see his smile again”.
“He is the kindest soul you will ever meet in your life,” she said.
“That’s my little brother, I’ll miss him so much.
“The support and the donations and the message we’ve received its helping us as a family and we thank you so, so much.”
Around 300 people gathered in Knowle West in tribute to Max and Mason
A total of eight people – including Mr Snook – have now been detained as part of the investigation into the stabbing.
Two boys, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of murder while a 46-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. All three are currently in police custody.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, along with a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder has since been bailed with conditions including to not enter Bristol.
A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place has been released with no further action in relation to the murder offence and bailed in relation to the offensive weapon offence.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
