A 14-year-old arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing in Swindon remains in police custody three days after being arrested. 

Police were called to a stabbing in Haydon End at around 1.30pm on Sunday, December 4.

One man, now known to be 18-year-old Owen Dunn, was injured and later died from those injuries.

After witnesses described seeing two people dressed in black, wearing balaclavas and carrying large knives, two males - aged 14 and 20 - were arrested on suspicion of murder. 

The 20-year-old was released on conditional bail on Tuesday, but the 14-year-old was kept in custody

An official statement from Swindon Police said: “We are continuing to question a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of murder after a fatal stabbing in north Swindon on Sunday.

“A 20-year-old man, also arrested on suspicion of murder, has now been released under investigation."

But a new update from the police on Wednesday revealed that the teenager still remains in custody and can be held until Thursday, unless an extension is granted. 

Generally, the standard time that a suspect can be held in custody without charge before they must then be released is 24 hours.  

In exceptional circumstances, police can apply to hold a suspect for longer, usually up to 36 or 96 hours. This is typically if someone has been arrested on suspicion of a more serious crime like murder. 

An update into the investigation released by police on Monday confirmed that detectives had applied for and were given extra time to question the two suspects. 

Owen's family were informed of his death late on Sunday and his aunt released a GoFundMe page to help his parents pay for his funeral costs but formal identification did not take place until Tuesday afternoon. 

The GoFundMe for Owen, who was on his way from his home in Penhill to visit his girlfriend in Haydon End at the time he was attacked, has raised just over £9,300 in the three days it has been live. 

Flowers and other objects have been left in tribute to Owen near the crime scene, with a tree near to the crime scene being turned into a makeshift shrine.

His family released a small statement through the police thanking the public for their support and donations. 

It said: “We are grateful for all the support, kind words and donations we have received.”