- 18:55, 30 Jan 2022
- Updated: 19:23, 30 Jan 2022
THE first pictures have been released of a teen and a man stabbed to death in a mass brawl on Saturday morning – as police appealed for witnesses.
Janis Kozlovskis, 17, and Ryan Theobald, 21, were knifed during a vicious fight outside a pub just after 2.30am in Doncaster yesterday.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics and cops, Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Janis was dashed to hospital, but later died from his injuries. Post mortem examinations have established both died from stab wounds.
A third victim, 18, was also stabbed and was arrested for a serious public order offence related to the incident after being discharged from hospital.
He has been released without charge.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and has now been released on bail while investigations continue.
Both Ryan and Janis have been formally identified and their families are being supported by specially trained officers.
Fundraising pages for Ryan and Janis have been set up to help their heartbroken families with funeral costs.
Janis’ page, organised by his sister Russanda, reads: “I’m Janis sister I’ve just lost my little 17 year old brother to knife crime in my own home city of Doncaster.
“We’re all heartbroken I’ve always seen things like this on the news but now it’s happen to my own family my heart goes out to the other people who have lost there loved ones over knife crime!
“Janis went out on a Friday night in Doncaster after their night out with his friends an altercation broke out and Janis and one of his friends Ryan Theobald has sadly passed away he was only 21 both young lads with there whole life ahead of them!
“Any help will go a long way. Thank you in advance.”
Ryan’s page reads: “Ryan was loved by so many, he was such a funny, loving and kind hearted young lad!
“This heartbreaking tragedy has left his poor mum and sisters absolutely heart broken.”
‘DEVASTATING IMPACT’
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton, leading the investigation, has asked for witnesses to come forward.
He said: “I know that incidents like this can have a devastating impact on the wider community and I want to reassure you we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
“The community who live, visit and work in the town centre will continue to see an increased police presence in the area as the murder investigation continues at pace. I would like to reassure people that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider community.
“I continue to urge anyone who has any information that could help the investigation to contact us.
“We are really keen to speak with anyone who may have witnessed or have footage of the altercation, which started in Silver Street and continued into High Street, ending outside the KFC.
“Initial CCTV enquiries show that there were a number of bystanders who saw the incident and we urge them to come forward and help us.
” If you are uncomfortable speaking to the police directly you can call Crimestoppers completely anonymously.
”Information can be passed onto police by contacting 101 and quoting incident number 135 of 29 January, or you can give information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via their website or by calling their UK contact centre on 0800 555 111.”