Residents have spoken of their shock following a fatal attack outside a pub in Gloucester.
A fight took place outside The Pike and Musket in Tuffley around 12.30am this morning. Three men were assaulted by a man with a weapon, believed to be a machete.
One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene - a 19 year old local man. The other, a 22-year-old local man, was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital with serious injuries, where he underwent surgery. He is now in a stable condition. A third, 18-year-old local man, sustained minor injuries.
Flowers have been left at the scene in Windsor Drive and neighbours have spoken of their shock in what is normally a "quiet" area.
Mark Whitmore, 31, said The Pike and Musket is a family-friendly pub.
"It is a proper community pub and many of the regulars live within walking distance," he said.
"They put on so many family events and parties. We take our children there. It is a lovely, friendly family pub.
"I just can't believe it has happened. I can't believe that people carry a weapon like a machete around with them.
"I have young children and I never want them to think it is acceptable to carry a knife."
Shocked to hear the news coming out of Gloucester. Had some good times in the pike
— Luke Narraway (@lukenarraway) January 24, 2015
Christina Gardner, 32, added: "Tuffley is not like this so I am very shocked. Our family go to the pub to drink so the first thing we did was call them to make sure everyone was ok.
"The pub has a good reputation. Things like this don't happen here. It is somewhere you would take your kids.
"I grew up in Tuffley. When I walk into the pub I can guarantee I will know someone. That's the sort of place it is.
"It is a massive shock to everyone around here. Many of the residents are elderly. It is a quiet and peaceful area of the city.
"That's why I decided to bring up my children here. I am just appalled."
Terrible news about the murder in Gloucester last night. God bring peace to those in anguish from this loss
— Simon Jarvis (@SiJar) January 24, 2015
A member of staff at the nearby Seymour News store said: "I live across the road and I didn't hear anything last night. It is all people are talking about when they come into the shop. It is awful."
Police have cordoned off the road outside The Pike and Musket and two forensics tents have been put up in the pub car park.
A full search of the area is now underway in daylight.
Gloucestershire Police are treating this as a murder investigation and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened in the pub's car park or was in the area around the time of the incident and may have seen something which may help with enquiries.
They are asked to call 101 quoting incident number 12 of 24/01/15.
