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Police name victim of ‘brutal knife attack’

Detective Sergeant Jason Smith gives an update on what was an active weekend of disturbances (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

A young man who was the victim of a stabbing murder at a petrol station this week was named by police yesterday.

Joshua Rowse, 22, died at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after the assault in Warwick on Sunday.

Police described the incident as a “brutal knife attack”, which happened outside the Rubis Service Station on South Road.

Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley told a press conference that he spent time with Mr Rowse’s family yesterday.

He said: “I think it’s only when you see the grief in a family’s eyes you realise the tragedy of what takes place as a result of gang violence.”

Mr Corbishley added: “We’re working with the family to support them, we’re keeping them informed of the investigation and obviously our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.”

Detective Sergeant Jason Smith added that four arrests were made in connection with the case.

He explained yesterday: “Three out of the four that have been arrested remain in police custody.”

Mr Smith said: “The investigation is continuing so we’re pursuing all lines of inquiry.”

A police spokesman confirmed that Mr Rowse’s death was being treated as murder.

He added: “Investigators would still like to hear from and speak with anyone who may have witnessed or have any information on this tragic incident, no matter how insignificant you may think it to be.”

Meanwhile, Mr Smith said that a 24-year-old man who was hurt in a shooting in St George’s last week was released from hospital and “recovering well”.

Police rushed to the Unfinished Church at about 9.40pm on Saturday after reports of gunshots.

Mr Smith added that the investigation continued.

Anyone with information about the incident at the petrol station in Warwick can contact Acting Detective Chief Inspector Kenten Trott on 717-2345, or call police on 295-0011 or 211. To provide information anonymously, call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477

The scene at the Rubis petrol station on South Road after Joshua Rowse died of stab wounds (Photograph by Akil Simmons)