Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old in Bristol on Wednesday, police have confirmed. A murder investigation was launched after the teenager was attacked in Rawnsley Park in the St Philip’s area of the city by two people wearing masks, who fled the scene on bicycles, it had previously been reported. Supt Mark Runacres, the force’s Bristol commander, said on Thursday evening: “The team investigating yesterday’s incident are working around the clock to bring those responsible to justice. “This evening, two 15-year-old boys were arrested in connection with the investigation and they have been taken to police custody where they will be questioned. “Our collective thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during what is undoubtedly a very difficult time. “Specialist family liaison officers have been assigned to the family to provide them with support and keep them updated on the investigation.” Officers were called to West Street, where the victim had run to following the assault, at 6pm on Wednesday. He died at the scene and has yet to be formally identified or named by police, who are still reviewing CCTV footage, but the family have been informed. Runacres earlier described the incident as “utterly horrific” and said a “strong deterrent”, including more police patrols in the area, was necessary in response to the attack. Police in Bristol were also given enhanced stop-and-search powers from 5pm on Thursday. “This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” Runacres said. “We understand the fear that exists in some communities around stop and search.” The killing comes weeks after Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, died after being stabbed in the Knowle West area of the city. Supt Runacres said there is “nothing to indicate” Wednesday’s stabbing was linked to the one in Knowle West, but they were looking at whether it was linked to other incidents. He told reporters at the scene earlier on Thursday: “We fully appreciate the magnitude of this incident, and other similar incidents we have seen in recent weeks. We are keeping an open mind as to whether last night’s tragedy is linked to other recent assaults. “We know these incidents are causing concern in our communities, which is why we have launched an operation to tackle serious violence among young people. “[There is] nothing to indicate any connection at all to the incident in Knowle West, I want to stress that, but we need to keep an open mind around any other links.”