A murder investigation has been launched after a double stabbing in Somerset, which led to the death of a man in his 30.

Police have confirmed they are looking into the death in a murder inquiry, after arresting eight people on Saturday (March 23).

Officers first announced a death in the heart of Somerset yesterday following a 'disturbance'.

The investigation into what happened has entered a second day.

Police patrols have been stepped up and roads remain sealed off in Wells on Sunday (March 24).

Keep scrolling down for updates as they come in.

In a statement on Sunday police revealed:

  • A man in his 30s died
  • A murder investigation has been launched
  • A second man also suffered knife wounds
  • He remains in hospital but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing
  • Armed police were used in response to knife attack
  • 10 people have been arrested

Police were first called at around 4.25pm on Saturday.

The Merlin Drive area was "blocked off" by a large number police and ambulance vehicles.

Police continued to block access to a road in Wells on Sunday (March 24) following a death on Saturday (March 23). A murder investigation is underway
Police continued to block access to a road in Wells on Sunday (March 24) following a death on Saturday (March 23). A murder investigation is underway

For the latest on the investigation keep scrolling down.

This is a live blog. Updates will follow, below.

Did you know the deceased? If you want to pay tribute, email liam.trim@reachplc.com.

Or did you see what happened? Do you have any photos or video of the scene? Get in touch.

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Tributes paid to 'devoted family man' as Wells stabbing victim named

Police have named the man killed in Wells
Police have named the man killed in Wells (Image: Press Association Images)

A man who died from knife wounds after a disturbance at a property in Wells has been named.

Avon and Somerset police have identified the victim as Jonathan Roper, from Glastonbury.

The 34-year old has been described as a “devoted family man” in a tribute by his family.

Read more, below.

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Number of people arrested rises to 10 after man died in a 'disturbance'

A police cordon on Sunday, March 24, after a murder investigation was launched in Wells
A police cordon on Sunday, March 24, after a murder investigation was launched in Wells

The number of people arrested as part of an ongoing murder investigation has now risen to 10, after a man died in a “disturbance” in Wells.

Officers - including armed police - were called to the residential area of Merlin Drive at 4.25pm on Saturday (March 23) after a ‘disturbance’ involving several people was reported.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed two men in their 30s suffered knife wounds and one man died from serious injuries.

The force has identified the victim as Jonathan Roper, from Glastonbury who has been described as a “devoted family man” by relatives.

Full story, below.

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Round-up of stories so far

We appreciate there has been a lot to digest in the last 24 hours.

We have rounded up the latest stories about this murder investigation in our grid, below.

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Wookey Hole Road now re-open

A local resident has got in touch to say the road is now re-open.

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Mayor 'horrified' after death in 'very quiet residential area'

Mayor of Wells, Celia Wride
Mayor of Wells, Celia Wride

The Mayor of Wellshas spoken of her shock after a man died from serious injuries in a “very quiet residential area”.

Officers - including armed police - were called to the residential area of Merlin Drive at 4.25pm yesterday (Saturday, March 23) after a ‘disturbance’ involving a number of people was reported.

Mayor of Wells, Celia Wride, who lives on Wookey Hole Road, called yesterday’s incident “horrifying” and praised the emergency services for their “immediate response”.

Full story, below.

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Forensic investigations continuing

A local resident has got in touch to say:

Forensics are searching the grass land on the Merlin Road Estate and The crime scene stretches about 300 meters along Wookey Hole Road

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School head teacher says there will be extra patrols tomorrow

The Blue School’s headteacher, Mark Woodlock, has called for calm as he confirmed PCSOs will be deployed to the school’s entrances.

Full details here.

Extra police patrols will be outside the Blue School in Wells following a murder
Extra police patrols will be outside the Blue School in Wells following a murder
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Witnesses say police are using drones as part of the murder investigation

We’ve been sent this photo of a police officer operating a drone as part of the murder probe.

There are unconfirmed reports that the drone is in use to reconstruct the movements of the man who died.

Witnesses say police are using drones as part of a murder investigation in Wells
Witnesses say police are using drones as part of a murder investigation in Wells
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Latest update as forensic investigators spotted at crime scene

Full story here.

Forensic crime scene investigators are part of a murder probe in Wells on March 24
Forensic crime scene investigators are part of a murder probe in Wells on March 24
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New pictures show tent at centre of forensics investigation

Fresh photos taken this morning show the murder investigation in full swing, with a tent visible in one of the images, thought to be where forensic investigators are looking for clues after yesterday’s death.

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What you need to know as police launch murder probe

Eight people have been arrested and locals have been reacting to what appears to have been a shocking crime.
Full details here

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Police statement in FULL as murder investigation launched

Here’s the Avon and Somerset Constabulary statement in full, released in the last few minutes:

A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 30s died in Wells yesterday (Saturday, 23 March).

At 4.25pm we received a report of a disturbance at a property on Merlin Drive involving a number of people.

Officers attended and found two men with knife wounds on nearby Wookey Hole Road.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the ambulance service, one of the men died of his injuries at the scene.

A post-mortem examination and formal identification will be arranged in due course. The man’s next-of-kin have been informed .

The injuries sustained by the other man, who is also in his 30s, aren’t life threatening or life changing but he continues to receive medical treatment at hospital for them.

Armed officers were deployed to the scene and assisted their patrol colleagues with carrying out a number of arrests.

The police helicopter was also used in the operation.

In total, six men and two women, all from the Somerset area, were detained in connection with the incident and currently remain in police custody.

The senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Alistair Hammett, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We’re carrying out a full investigation into what is clearly a very tragic incident.

“Specially trained officers will be providing support to the man’s family and our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with the devastating news they have been given.

“I appreciate this incident will shock local residents and we are increasing patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

“At this stage, we believe this to be an isolated incident involving people known to each other.

“A large cordon is in place around the Merlin Drive area and there will be a continuing police presence at the scene for some time while we carry out our enquiries.

“If you saw or heard any part of what happened, or have any information which you think could help my team, please contact us.

“Anyone with any particular concerns is also encouraged to contact their local neighbourhood team.”

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New photo from police cordon today

A road closure remains in place.

A police cordon on Sunday, March 24, after a murder investigation was launched in Wells
A police cordon on Sunday, March 24, after a murder investigation was launched in Wells
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Two men suffered knife wounds

Here’s the key info from a police statement just in:

A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 30s died in Wells yesterday (Saturday, 23 March).

At 4.25pm we received a report of a disturbance at a property on Merlin Drive involving a number of people.

Officers attended and found two men with knife wounds on nearby Wookey Hole Road.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the ambulance service, one of the men died of his injuries at the scene.

A post-mortem examination and formal identification will be arranged in due course. The man’s next-of-kin have been informed .

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BREAKING: Police confirm murder investigation after knife attack

More to follow.

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Police update expected shortly

We’ll be bringing you the latest from the police on the investigation as soon as it comes in.

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Community in 'terrible shock'

SomersetLive readers have been expressing their shock and sadness after it was confirmed that a man had died.

One reader said that it ‘must have been a terrible shock for all the neighbours’.

Get the full story of the local reaction here.

A police cordon in place at Wookey Hole Road, Wells
A police cordon in place at Wookey Hole Road, Wells
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'People need to be vigilant'

Jayne, one of many to react to the awful news on the Somerset Live Facebook page, thinks the community needs to be alert and pull together.

She wrote:

People need to vigilant and report any strange going on’s to protect our communities.”

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Dramatic photo shows armed police pointing weapons during death response

A dramatic photo shows armed police pointing their weapons following a death in Somerset .

Police were called to a ‘disturbance’ at 4.25pm on Saturday (March 23).

‘Multiple arrests’ have been made by Avon and Somerset Constabulary following the incident on Merlin Drive in Wells .

Police confirmed a man suffered serious injuries and later died .

Full story here

Armed police in a residential area of Wells
Armed police in a residential area of Wells
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All our coverage so far

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Police investigation enters second day

Good morning and welcome to live coverage of a distressing incident in the heart of Somerset.

A man’s death was confirmed in the city of Wells yesterday (March 23) by Avon and Somerset police.

We will bring you the latest on the investigation throughout the day in this blog.

More to follow.

Do you want to pay tribute to the deceased? Or share any information from the area to keep other locals up to date?

Get in touch - email liam.trim@reachplc.com.

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Everything we know so far as man dies following a 'disturbance' in residential area of Wells

Police officers remain at scene of fatal assault in Wells
Police officers remain at scene of fatal assault in Wells

A police investigation is underway after a man has died from serious injuries following a disturbance in a residential area in Wells.

According to an eyewitness, the Merlin Drive and Wookey Road area of the town was “blocked off” by a large number police and ambulance vehicles.

A forensic tent has been placed at the scene of the incident.

Read a recap of what we know so far, below.

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Police remain at the scene

A resident on the road has told Somerset Live that forensic investigations are ongoing.

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What we know so far

A police cordon in place at Wookey Hole Road, Wells
A police cordon in place at Wookey Hole Road, Wells
  • Officers called at 4.25pm today (Saturday, 23 March) to reports of a disturbance at Merlin Drive
  • One man was seriously injured and has died
  • Multiple arrests have been made by officers
  • Armed police were seen in other areas of Wells
  • Forensic officers currently investigating the death
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The latest photos from the scene

Scroll through our interactive photo gallery for the latest photos from the scene.

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Police officers remain at scene of fatal assault

A police cordon in place at Wookey Hole Road, Wells
A police cordon in place at Wookey Hole Road, Wells
Police officers remain at scene of fatal assault in Wells
Police officers remain at scene of fatal assault in Wells
Police officers remain at scene of fatal assault in Wells
Police officers remain at scene of fatal assault in Wells
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Forensics van has arrived at the scene

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Police confirm man has died following a 'disturbance' in Wells residential area

Police and ambulance crews remain at Merlin Drive in Wells
Police and ambulance crews remain at Merlin Drive in Wells

Police have launched an investigation after a man has died from ‘serious injuries’ following a disturbance in a residential area in Wells.

At 4.25pm today (Saturday, March 23), officers were called to an address on Merlin Drive. A man, who was seriously injured, has died.

A heavy emergency service presence has been seen in the area with police cordons in place in and around Goodymore Avenue.

Read more about this ongoing incident, below.

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BREAKING - Police confirm man has died from "serious injuries"

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police has issued the following statement:

At 4.25pm today (Saturday, 23 March) we were called to a disturbance at Merlin Drive in Wells.

One man was seriously injured and has sadly died.

An investigation has been launched and we have already made multiple arrests.

There is currently an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which could help us, is asked to phone 101 and tell the call handler you are phoning in relation to log 760 of today (23 March).

Alternatively pass on information through the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.

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Police remain at the scene

These photos, taken by a resident on Wookey Hole Road show a large emergency service presence at the scene.

Police and ambulance crews remain at Merlin Drive in Wells
Police and ambulance crews remain at Merlin Drive in Wells
Police and ambulance crews remain at Merlin Drive in Wells
Police and ambulance crews remain at Merlin Drive in Wells
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