Police name Plymouth dad stabbed to death in broad daylight

Police have named the man who died after being stabbed on Cambridge Road, Ford on the afternoon of Monday, November 4. Devon and Cornwall Police have also confirmed that a fifth person has been arrested in connection with the death.

Devon and Cornwall Police's Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Fleetwood said: "I can confirm the deceased man is Shane Jamie Sweet, aged 36, from Plymouth. Numerous lines of enquiry are being undertaken and the support of the community has been gratefully received.

"I would like to continue reassuring the public that all relevant resources including Devon and Cornwall’s Major Crime Team are working towards bringing those responsible for Shane’s death to justice. His family are being supported by specialist officers."

Floral tributes to Mr Sweet have been laid outside St Mark's Church, in Cambridge Road, close to where he was fatally injured. Messages to a "beautiful boy" who will be "forever in my heart" can be read. One grieving loved one writes: "No words can say how much you will be missed."

Detective Chief Inspector Fleetwood has also said a further arrest has been made, bringing the total to five. A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. A woman, aged 42, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in police custody.

Three women, aged 27, 38, and 40, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. They have been released under investigation. They are all local to the Plymouth area. Investigators have said they believe the suspects were known to the victim.

Police cordons were put in place at the scene on Cambridge Road after officers were called at 2.30pm on Monday to a report of a stabbing near a primary school.

Detective Chief Inspector Fleetwood said: "We continue to urge anyone with information which may assist our investigation, to please report it to us."

According to social media, Shane attended Ridgeway High School as a boy and was himself a father to two children. Many friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.

Anyone with information including relevant dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage can report it to the police's Major Incident Portal here.

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