Exeter murder victim named

Stephen Cook, 45, was local man

A man who died following an altercation in Exeter at the weekend has been named a 45-year-old Stephen Cook.

A murder investigation is underway after police were called to Sidwell Street in the city centre around 8.10 p.m. on Saturday, where one man had been stabbed. He was taken to hospital but did not survive. His next of kin have been informed.

A cordon remained in place until the early hours of Monday morning.

One 19-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of murder is no longer a suspect, but has been re-arrested on suspicion of affray and been released on bail until Thursday 27 April.

Another 19-year-old, who is from Christchurch, Bournemouth, and who was arrested at the same time, remains police custody on suspicion of muder.

A 29-year-old woman from Exeter and a 32-year-old man from Exmouth arrested on suspicion of affray and have both been released on bail.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Blundell, who's leading the investigation, said: “Enquiries are ongoing and residents should expect to see continuing police activity in Exeter connected to this investigation over the coming week.

“In the light of the ongoing investigation we would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances of this case on social media.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or may have any information, including dashcam footage which could help with enquiries to contac them through the major incident public portal.