Milton Keynes house party killings: Cause of deaths revealed

Police, who have arrested a 21-year-old man, say they are still seeking others in connection with the stabbings.

Wednesday 23 October 2019 15:23, UK

Both 17-year-olds were stabbed to death
Image: Dom Ansah (L) and Ben Gilham-Rice were stabbed to death
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The cause of death of two people stabbed at a house party in Milton Keynes has been revealed following post-mortems.

The two 17-year-old victims have now been formally identified, police have said.

Dom Ansah died from a stab wound to the back and Ben Gillham-Rice died after being stabbed in the chest.

Two other males, a 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man, also suffered injuries as a result of this incident and are recovering.

Detectives believe it was a 'targeted attack'
Image: Detectives believe it was a 'targeted attack'

A 21-year-old man from Milton Keynes has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder and remains in police custody. Detectives have until Thursday evening to charge or release him.

Police have said the party was gatecrashed by attackers armed with knives and wearing face coverings in what detectives believe was a targeted attack.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, head of crime for Thames Valley Police, said: "The families of Dom and Ben continue to be supported by specially trained family liaison officers, and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time. They remain uppermost in our thoughts.

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Those responsible have been urged to hand themselves in
Image: Those responsible have been urged to hand themselves in

"We are still seeking others in connection with this dreadful incident, and would again appeal to anybody who has any information that can assist our investigation to make contact with police.

"I fully appreciate the concern that this incident has caused in the local community, and would re-assure anybody who has information, that this will be treated sensitively and we will not tolerate any form of witness intimidation.

"We have officers and staff who can offer you the necessary support.

"If there is anybody that has information, but has not yet contacted us, I ask you to look into your conscience and come forward.

"Two families are grieving the loss of a loved one, and we are resolute in our determination to bring all of the offenders to justice.

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"I again would like to say, to those who are responsible, we know who we are looking for and we will find you, however long it takes.

"Do the right thing and hand yourselves in to your nearest police station.

"Anybody who has any information, no matter what this information may be, should call the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting URN 1761 (19/10).

"You are also able to call Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or make an initial report online on our website, or via our Major Incident Police Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/43H219A75-PO1."