A teenager has died after a stabbing incident at a private residence on Devonshire Bay Road shortly after midnight on Saturday.

Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns confirmed yesterday afternoon that 17-year-old Ethan Arruda passed away as a result of a single stab wound to the chest that took place in the midst of a party attended by between 50 and 100 people.

Ms Burns said: “Police were called to attend the scene around 12.15am, where they found the victim unconscious.

“He was taken to hospital and, despite immediate medical attention and life-saving efforts, Ethan succumbed to his injuries several hours later.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this very difficult time.”

Ms Burns said that knife crime was a growing concern on the island, and called on the community to take a stand against it.

“This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address violence in our neighbourhoods.

“We cannot allow our youth to be caught in the crossfire of such senseless acts.

“It is imperative that we come together as a community to foster dialogue, encourage positive choices and implement measures to prevent further tragedies.”

Ms Burns said the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing were under investigation. She urged witnesses to come forward.

“We are aware that there were between 50 and 100 people at the party and are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, to come forward and assist, providing clarity and justice for the victim and his loved ones,” she said.

“If you were at this party, we would like to hear from you. If your child was at this party, we would like to hear from you.

“If you have any video footage or other recorded images from this party, we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Inspector Clifford Roberts on 717-0590 or e-mail croberts2@bps.bm.

Witnesses can also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477, speak with officers they know or use the BPS Community Reporting Portal at portal.police.bm/.

Ms Burns also urged those who might need assistance to reach out to counselling services in the wake of the tragedy.

She said that a senior officer has been assigned to come up with a policing plan for the week, given the number of Hallowe’en events expected to take place.

Residents of the area, which includes Mary Prince Emancipation Park, said a large number of people and vehicles had congregated at a house in the neighbourhood on Saturday night.

One resident said there appeared to be 100 or more people on the property by about 11pm.

Another said: “I would say there were at least 50 people at about 9.30pm. There was a lot of music with dancing and carrying-on.“

The gathering was said to be predominantly young people with “a lot of kids around and drinking”.

The resident said there appeared to be a security guard posted at a gate to the property.

The neighbour added: “There looked to be some people going up to the park and coming back.”

Police have warned of an increase in the use of knives in recent years, with Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, last year acknowledging that the “worrying trend” had become a regular feature of officer briefings.

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