Five men were arrested on suspicion of murder after Vijay Kumar died
Vijay Kumar died after he was stabbed last week
A week has passed since a student from a Bristol university was stabbed and later died in hospital as a murder investigation is continuing into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Vijay Kumar, 30, was found with stab wounds on Barbourne Road, in Worcester, at around 4.15am on Tuesday, November 25.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died later that day.
West Mercia Police are investigating the incident, which is being treated as a murder, as five men remain on bail after being arrested on suspicion of murder.
The media in India said that Vijay had moved to the UK earlier this year in order to study at university.
Following his death, Vijay’s family have asked for help in bringing his body back to India.
The University of the West of England said it is supporting Vijay’s family at this time and is working with police.
In the week since the incident, West Mercia Police said it has made a number of arrests as enquiries continue.
What happened on the day of the incident?
Barbourne Road, Worcester.(Image: Google Maps)
Vijay was found with life-threatening injuries, which were later confirmed to be stab wounds, at around 4.15am on Tuesday, November 25.
Police officers located the man, who was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Shortly after the attack, five men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The men were aged between 22 and 35 years old.
Police later confirmed that a sixth man was arrested that afternoon on suspicion of attempted murder.
Sadly, Vijay died later that day in hospital, and his death is being investigated as murder.
The following day (Wednesday, November 26), the six men were held on suspicion of murder as enquiries continued.
Enquiries ongoing as five men released on bail
The five men who were arrested shortly after the attack, now on suspicion of murder, are on bail whilst enquiries continue, police said on Friday, November 28.
The sixth man was released with no further action to be taken.
Officers remained in the area over the weekend, as police urged anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Holehouse said at the time: “Over the course of the last few days my team have been conducting extensive lines of enquiries to ascertain what happened on Tuesday morning and what led to a man losing his life.
“As part of these enquiries, officers will remain on Barbourne Road over the weekend, and I would like to reassure the community that this is to continue gathering evidence and the public should not be alarmed.
“The five men who were arrested on suspicion of murder are now on bail and will continue to help us with our investigation.
“I continue to appeal to anyone who has any information that would help with our enquiries to please come forward, however insignificant you feel it may be; it could be a vital piece of information.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who has died.”
Tributes issued to Vijay
Vijay Kumar, 30.(Image: West Mercia Police)
The family of Vijay released a tribute, via the police, which said they will “miss Vijay deeply and carry his memory forward”.
The family said: “Vijay brought energy, joy and laughter and filled our lives with warmth. Life was never dull with him around.
“Even in hard times, his spirit was unbreakable — he lived with purpose, passion, and heart.
“Behind all his gestures was a heart that cared deeply for his family and friends.
“He didn’t always say it, but he showed it—in small gestures, shared glances, and unexpected kindness.
“Though his time with us was unbelievably short, it was filled with meaning.
“His tragic departure has left us devastated and has created a void in our lives.
“Saying goodbye to such a loving family member is one of life’s hardest things.
“We will miss Vijay deeply and carry his memory forward in the stories we tell and the love we share.”
A spokesperson for UWE Bristol said: “The university is deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Vijay’s death and would like to express our condolences to his family at this incredibly distressing time.
“We are in touch with Vijay’s family and have offered them our full support.
“The university is also working with the police to support their ongoing investigation.”