A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a teenager who was stabbed to death after he watched the Anthony Joshua boxing match in a bar.
The tragic 17-year-old boy, who has been name locally as Dante Francis, died two days after being knifed in the chest at 4am on Sunday (10/4).
He was stabbed outside The Empire Bar in Swadlincote, Derbys., which hosted an invitation-only VIP event and screened the Anthony Joshua fight on Saturday night (9/4).
Dante, from Knighton, Leicester, was rushed to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham but tragically died two days later on Tuesday (12/4).
A 20-year-old man, believed to be one of the teenager’s friends, suffered a slash wound to the chest as he tried to intervene.
The man, who is also from Leicester, was rushed to hospital but has since been discharged.
A local taxi driver said there had been a “massive party” at the bar and revellers were “shaking” as they came into his cab firm to ask for a lift home.
Yesterday (Thur), police confirmed a 21-year-old man from Derby has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being quizzed over the street attack.
A 23-year-old man from Derby who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder also remains in custody.
A third man from Derby, aged 29, has also been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail while inquiries continue.
Tributes have been paid to Dante who friends said was a talented sportsman.
One pal, named only as Nathan, tweeted: “RIP Dante Francis horrible too hear, sound man was great too be able too play football with him.”
Aliyah Khan added: “RIP Dante Francis, old friend and always full of laughter.”
One friend wrote: “Life is so sad, a young boy losing his life before it really began and parents losing their child.”
Another pal posted: “RIP Dante. A true friend. He never failed to make me laugh, always supported me in football and asked how my family was. He won’t be forgotten.”
Police said they were called to West Street in Swadlincote after Dante became involved in an argument with another man.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: “Detectives investigating the death of a 17-year-old have arrested a man on suspicion of murder and two others on suspicion of violence.
“Officers believe that the 17-year-old boy became involved in an argument with another man. He was stabbed in the chest and later died in hospital.
“We believe the parties knew each other. We don’t believe it was a random attack.
“A 20-year-old man intervened and suffered a slash wound to the chest. He has now been discharged from hospital.”
The Empire Bar and Restaurant in Swadlincote is a family-run business which boasts “a wide variety of food”.
The venue hosted an invitation-only VIP event which was branded as an “Opening Party” featuring DJs from Leicester on Saturday night.
The bar also screened British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua’s successful world title fight.
On their Facebook page the bar wrote: “If you’re not on the guestlist you’re not getting in. Dress to impress red carpet event.”
