Bristol News by HANA - Edition 44
Bristol Bites: Blade brutality and barrels of booze
Bristol Bites: Blade brutality and barrels of booze
Yostin Andres Mosquera will go to jail for life in October, after being convicted of the savage murders of civil partners Albert Alfonso and Paul Longworth in a London flat last year. The killings alone were shocking enough – but what this monster did in the aftermath of the slayings was truly barbaric. For reasons perhaps buried forever in the depths of his poisoned mind, Mosquera decided to transport some body parts to Bristol in suitcases – suitcases he then attempted to hurl off the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Unsurprisingly, he was spotted and just three days later nabbed by police outside Temple Meads station.
So, not only was Mosquera proved to be a brutal butcher, but he was also proved to be profoundly stupid. As track covering exercises go, no gold stars for Mosquera just a big dunce’s cap. Then again, crime and stupidity always did walk hand in hand. Doubtless, several of the more obscure real crime satellite channels are already beavering away on “documentaries”.
Fortunately, the Mosquera massacre in no way represents a trend or a pattern. It may be decades before we witness anything so macabre again. Sadly, blade-related brutality on our city’s streets does represent a trend. Many teenagers (mostly boys) habitually carry knives, in the deluded belief they will help them defend themselves or burnish their street kudos (or both).
Knife-related crimes jumped a worrying 26% in the year to March 2024, with serious knife crime (e.g. stabbings) soaring by an even more troubling 38%. At 88 knife crimes per 100,000 population, Bristol is just below the England and Wales average of 90. But data, while useful, helps identify the problem, not solve the problem. There are, however, some strategies to tackle this blight on Bristol. Launched in May this year, Bristol’s Operation Sceptre is already getting results: knife sweeps, school talks and knife bins (7,000 blades seized to date). Such strategies in other cities are working, with reductions in knife crime of up to 28%.
More of this, please.
On a lighter note, Bristol Bites boasts a bumper What’s On section this week.
One item leaps (or should that be staggers?) off the page: The Bristol Cider Week. It starts this weekend and includes tastings (not to be confused with, er, drinking), cider trails, street parties and meet-the-maker events. Cider is synonymous with Bristol and the wider West Country region. Be it brewed with apples or pears, cider is inextricably linked to Bristol’s history, heritage, and, perhaps, its reputation for being a city of high spirits. Expect renditions of “I am a cider drinker” over the coming days.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
Bristol on a knife-edge:
Sharp Rise in Bristol: Knife-related offences in Bristol soared by 26% (to 1,953 cases) in the year to March 2024, with serious-violence knife crimes (e.g. stabbings) up 38%.
Rate Comparison: The Avon & Somerset police area (including Bristol) recorded 88 knife crimes per 100,000 people—slightly below the England–Wales average of 90, but far lower than London (188), West Midlands (165), and Manchester (117).
Youth and Social Risk Factors: Knife violence in Bristol is linked to child poverty hotspots, school exclusions, and county-lines exploitation; national data show youth services cuts and social media feuds as amplifying factors.
Preventive Action: Bristol’s Operation Sceptre (May 2025) held 36 knife sweeps, 105 school talks, and used surrender bins (over 7,000 knives seized), mirroring best-practice approaches in cities where knife crime has fallen by up to 28%.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Bristol News
Man who decapitated and dismembered London couple convicted of murder The Guardian - July 21, 2025 Yostin Andres Mosquera was convicted of murdering civil partners Albert Alfonso and Paul Longworth in their London flat, brutally dismembering their bodies before attempting to dispose of them. His subsequent actions, including abandoning suitcases in the wake of England's football victory, led to a manhunt that concluded with his arrest in Bristol three days later. |
Bristol Airport Enhances Support For Passengers With Reduced Mobility As UK Travel Boom Sets In For The Holiday Season Travel And Tour World - July 23, 2025 Bristol Airport is ramping up support for passengers with reduced mobility and non-visible disabilities ahead of the holiday season, introducing enhanced services such as pre-booked assistance, increased mobility equipment, and dedicated transport options. With features like sunflower-marked routes, a sensory room, and faster security lanes, the airport aims to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers. |
Play Video - Suitcase murders: DCI describes 'shocking' evidence
Bristol suitcase murders: Detective describes 'shocking' video evidence Sky News - DCI Ollie Stride has expressed that a recent murder case involving Yostin Andres Mosquera is among the most disturbing he has encountered, particularly due to video footage showing Mosquera fatally stabbing Albert Alfonso and then nonchalantly singing and dancing afterwards. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the unsettling circumstances of the crime. |
Upcoming series The Forsytes was filmed at The Bottle Yard Studios
Bristol City Council’s sale of UK’s Bottle Yard Studios falls through C21media - Bristol City Council has confirmed that the sale of The Bottle Yard Studios, the largest film and TV studio in the West of England, has fallen through, leaving its future uncertain despite its significant contributions to the local economy. With concerns over market oversupply and a recent rise in filming's economic impact, discussions are ongoing about the next steps for this vital creative asset. |
Here's why a mobile police station has been in Bristol's Castle Park this week Avon & Somerset Police has launched a mobile police station in Bristol's Castle Park to boost community engagement and enhance public safety, allowing residents to connect with officers, report concerns, and access information on local issues. This proactive initiative aims to foster trust within the community while addressing safety concerns following recent events in the area. |
Five in court over alleged Palestine Action raid of Elbit Systems Bbc - July 19, 2025 Five individuals have been charged with aggravated burglary and violent disorder following a Palestine Action protest at Elbit Systems UK on August 6, 2024. The defendants are set to appear at the Old Bailey on August 22 after being remanded in custody, amid ongoing tensions surrounding allegations of arms manufacturing for the Israeli military. |
Measles map shows UK hotspots as Bristol 'at risk of an outbreak' Yahoo News - July 23, 2025 Bristol has reported the highest number of measles cases in England for 2025, with 47 confirmed cases, raising alarm over vaccination rates that remain below the World Health Organization's target. Health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children as national MMR coverage declines, putting communities at risk of outbreaks. |
Bristol Airport's major £60m upgrade officially opens BBC News - July 22, 2025 Bristol Airport has unveiled a new £60 million transport interchange, enhancing customer facilities with 2,000 additional parking spaces and expanded bus and coach services. As part of a larger £400 million transformation initiative, the project aims to improve travel access despite only 15% of customers currently arriving by bus. |
Dozens evacuated as bomb squad swarms Bristol homes: 'Suspicious' man is arrested as cordon remains in place Mail Online - July 22, 2025 Residents of South Liberty Lane in Bristol were evacuated following a bomb scare involving a suspicious man who was arrested after police received reports he might have access to explosives. A major incident was declared, with a 100-meter cordon established for safety, while the Ashton Vale Community Centre opened its doors to assist those affected. |
Property news
Derelict Bristol estate set to be auctioned off for a surprising price Yahoo News - July 20, 2025 A derelict industrial estate on Grove Road in Fishponds is set for auction with a guide price of £725,000, offering the potential for significant profit through an approved plan to build 11 three-bedroom PassivHaus homes. With planning permission already in place and a prime location, this site presents a compelling investment opportunity for developers amidst growing demand for housing. |
Eco-community near M32 is selling stone barns for 'modest' price Bristol Live - July 19, 2025 Three barns in Bridge Farm, Bristol, are set for auction with plans to convert them into affordable homes, featuring starting guide prices of £20,000 and £25,000. This initiative, led by the Ashley Vale Action Group, aims to combine country-style living with urban convenience, with the auction scheduled for September 17 at 5:30 PM. |
Renters in Bristol £500,000 worse off over 30 years Yahoo News - July 18, 2025 A new study reveals that renters in Bristol could be over £573,000 poorer than homeowners over 30 years due to soaring rental costs, which are the highest in the UK. With average rents in areas like Redland hitting £1,800 and Bath emerging as the region's most expensive rental city, young people are increasingly forced to live farther from the city center. |
The decades-old Bristol curry house that can't stop winning awards Yahoo News - July 22, 2025 Achari Indian Kitchen in Bristol has been celebrated as one of the 'Top 100 Asian Restaurants Winners 2025' by the Asian Catering Federation, highlighting its dedication to authentic Indian cuisine and exceptional service. With a rich history dating back to 1992 and multiple awards under its belt, Achari is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Clifton or Cotham. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace
Bloc Party, one of the UK's most influential indie bands, marks their 20th anniversary with a Friday night open-air concert at the Harbourside amphitheatre—a rare opportunity for fans to experience their high-energy show and hear classics from ‘Silent Alarm’ live.
Sunday’s Siren Bristol event closes the weekend with legendary electronic duo Sasha & John Digweed headlining an outdoor rave, perfect for electronic music lovers wanting to dance by the water and soak up summer festival vibes.
Saturday's drum & bass marathon is a magnet for ravers and fans of Bristol’s vibrant club scene, promising more than 30 top artists for an all-day, high-energy party atmosphere at Lloyds Amphitheatre.
Foodies will love this showcase of Bristol’s culinary talent, featuring local chefs, street food vendors, cooking demos, and entertainment—a lively, social way to sample the best tastes of the city amidst festival fun.
The Watershed’s annual film festival is a must for cinephiles, offering rare screenings, premieres of restored classics, guest talks, and special cinema walks, making it a cultural highlight for those interested in film history and discovery.
Kicking off this weekend, this brand new citywide festival celebrates Bristol’s beloved drink with tastings, cider trails, street parties, and meet-the-maker events—a true taste of local heritage and conviviality for those who love a good tipple.
Families and literature fans can enjoy this unique outdoor musical adaptation of Orwell’s classic, featuring live choir and a farm setting, commemorating the book’s 80th anniversary in an imaginative, community-spirited way.
For those seeking intimate gigs and emerging talent, The Louisiana hosts nightly concerts across the weekend, providing a grassroots music experience in one of Bristol’s most respected independent venues.
All photos are credited to source article unless otherwise specified.
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