One teenager has died and four others have been seriously injured after two shocking knife attacks within the space of three hours in Luton.

A 16-year-old boy died in hospital shortly after he was stabbed multiple times in Nunnery Lane at around 7pm on Friday.

Two other teenage boys were also injured – one is in hospital with life-threatening wounds, while the other suffered serious injuries, but they are not thought to be critical.

The boy who died has not yet been formally identified, though his family are being supported, police say.

Three other teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody for questioning.

Earlier the same day, at around 4pm, officers were also called to reports that two people were stabbed in Sundon Park Road.

Of those, one is in a life-threatening condition and the other sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries – both are being treated in hospital.

One man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit have launched a murder investigation and are treating both incidents as connected.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Nunnery Lane in memory of the boy who was tragically killed.

Detective inspector Lee Martin slammed the attacks as ‘appalling violence’ which has ‘cost a teenage boy his life and left two others in life-threatening conditions’.

Det insp Martin said: ‘Incidents such as these have a significant impact on our residents. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the loved ones of the boy who lost his life in such tragic and awful circumstances.

‘We are doing everything we can to prevent any further incidents and we want to reassure the wider community that officers are pursuing all lines of enquiry as well as carrying out increased patrols in the area.

‘Knife crime and violence has no place in our society – but it is a problem we must tackle together, alongside our communities, to challenge attitudes about carrying knives and provide opportunities to ensure our young people can feel safe.

‘Both incidents happened in busy areas with several people present. If you witnessed any of these incidents, or if you have any video footage or images, then please get in touch.’

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