Members of the Swindon community have been invited to gather with the family and friends of a stabbing victim this weekend as they mark his life.

Owen Dunn, 18, from Penhill, was on his way to visit his girlfriend in Haydon End on Sunday, December 4, when he was attacked and stabbed.

Paramedics tried to save him but Wiltshire Police later confirmed he had died from his injuries. 

Two males - a 14-year-old and a 20-year-old - were arrested on suspicion of murder. The latter has been released on bail and the former, as of Wednesday evening, is still being held for questioning. 

Owen's aunt, Lauren Page, set up a GoFundMe page to help his parents, Zoe Mitchell and Graham Dunn pay for his funeral. It has already received just over £9,300 in donations from friends, family and members of the public. 

Lauren recently thanked everyone for their support and donations, as well as Owen's friends who went around to see the grieving parents at the family home and share stories of their time with him. 

She said: "I just want to thank every single one of you for all the messages and donations, the family are blown away by your kindness. Our boy was truly loved.

"I want to personally thank Owen's boys for all coming today. From hearing all the stories he was so lucky to have you all and it was a great comfort to his mum and dad and the rest of the family."

Swindon Advertiser: Owen's friends consoling his family following news of his deathOwen's friends consoling his family following news of his death (Image: Lauren Page)

Graham and Zoe were notified of Owen's death on Sunday but did not formally identify him until Tuesday. 

In a post on Facebook, father Graham said it was the hardest thing they'd had to do but added that he was grateful for the support from the community. 

The family will be holding a public memorial lantern and balloon release for Owen on Sunday, December 11. 

Everyone who wants to, even those who did not personally know him, are encouraged to attend on the backfield of Pewisham Road, SN2 5EJ at 5.30pm, with the lantern release taking place at 6pm.

Lauren said: "Everything friends and the community are doing for our family isn't going unnoticed. I'm trying to get through all the messages but as you can imagine there is a lot to get through.

"You've all been so kind and generous, we will be holding a memorial lantern and balloon release on Sunday.

"Everyone is welcome to come and pay their respects. We just ask for people to be respectful to the neighbours as this is a residential area."