Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) have charged a 44-year-old man with the murders of 15-year-old Mason Rist and 16-year-old Max Dixon.

The two teenagers were attacked by a group of people in the Knowle West area of Bristol on Saturday (27 January).

Police officers and members of the public went to their aid but sadly, they both died of their injuries in hospital.

Anthony Snook, of Hartcliffe, Bristol, will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Thursday 1 February).

The charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service following a review of the evidence collated by the investigation team.

Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins, head of the MCIT, said: “This is a pivotal moment in our investigation and Mason’s and Max’s families have both been informed of this development.

“Specialist family liaison officers are providing them with support and we continue to ask their privacy is respected and they are given space to grieve.

“A total of eight people have been arrested as part of our investigation with five others in addition to Anthony Snook still in police custody.

“Our inquiry is continuing at pace with than 100 officers and staff working around the clock to bring all those responsible for Mason’s and Max’s death to justice.

“We will continue to provide updates on any developments when we can.

“In the meantime, we’d like to remind people of the impact speculation, footage and images on social media could have on both Mason’s and Max’s families as well as on forthcoming proceedings.”