Murder inquiry launched after teenager dies as a result of stabbing incident

A 16-year-old boy who was stabbed during an incident in Haverhill has died and as a consequence the investigation into the attack has now become a murder inquiry.

The incident occurred at just after 3pm on Monday, January 9, in a car park next to Strasbourg Square.

An altercation is reported to have taken place between two teenage boys during which one of them was stabbed. The suspect then fled the scene and is believed to have run off in the direction of Millfields Way.

The teenager who was stabbed can now be named by police as Harley Barfield, from Haverhill.

Harley was initially taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, for treatment, before being transferred to the Royal Papworth Hospital. Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff and brave resistance from Harley, he passed away this morning, Wednesday, January 11.

A 16-year-old boy from the Haverhill area was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident. He was taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning and has now been further arrested on suspicion of murder.

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, January 10) officers obtained a warrant of further detention from Ipswich Magistrates’ Court granting officers a further 36 hours to question the suspect. This expires at 4.35am tomorrow morning, Thursday, January 12.

Detectives understand that both parties were known to each other and as such, this is being treated as an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.

Harley’s family and some key witnesses continue to be supported by specialist trained liaison officers. The family has asked police to pass on their thanks to everyone who has sent them messages of support, but politely request that they are not contacted at this time.

Detectives are renewing their plea for help from members of the public and once again appeal for any witnesses to the incident – who have not already been spoken with by officers – to come forward. They would also like to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Strasbourg Square, Ingham Road, Millfields Way, the A143 or High Street, between 2.30pm and 3.45pm and saw anything that may be of assistance.

Police are also appealing for anyone who may have captured any video footage on a mobile phone of the incident, or who has seen any videos circulating on social media or being shared in messaging groups, to bring these to the attention of the investigation team.

Any motorists with a dashcam fitted in their vehicle who were driving in the roads stated above or other roads nearby, are asked to review the footage for any material that could be relevant to inquiry.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, preferably using the online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363721O08-PO1 or via the below methods, quoting reference: 1605/23.

Website – www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update

Phone – Call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org