A TEENAGER was stabbed to death on a Sheffield street when two rival gangs clashed at a 16th birthday party.
Dale Robertson, aged 18, was fatally stabbed in his chest after a group of up to 40 youths clashed.
The tragedy happened when a girl's birthday party on Rokeby Drive, Parson Cross, spilled out on to the street and turned into a riot.
Neighbours said some of those involved were armed with knives and baseball bats and said large groups of teenagers had been spotted wandering the streets brandishing weapons earlier in the night.
Police said Dale, from Primrose Drive, Ecclesfield, was attacked by a number of people and later died in hospital.
A post mortem examination revealed he died from a number of stab wounds to his chest.
Three youths, one aged 16 and two 17, were arrested in connection with his death.
One of the 17-year-olds was this afternoon released on police bail pending further inquiries.
The two other teenagers were continuing to be questioned on suspicion of murder this evening.
Residents described running battles between the youths and said they are believed to have included members of the rival S5 and S6 postcode gangs - made up of youngsters from different areas of Parson Cross.
Dale's friend Bradley Rickhuss, who lives just two doors away from where he was stabbed, described him as one of his best friends but said he had not realised the seriousness of what was happening outside his home.
The 22-year-old said: "He was one of the safest people you could ever meet. He was not somebody who would go around making trouble.
"All I heard was shouting on the front but I didn't know it was my friend so I just sat in the house."
He said Dale was known for his acrobatic stunts and was always the life and soul of any party.
Bradley said the fight was likely to have been gang-based, between people from different areas around Parson Cross.
A 16-year-old, who witnessed the violence, said the fight involved two rival Sheffield gangs.
"It all started after a bit of banter and name calling between the two gangs. One of them walked off to go home and then they all started fighting.
"About 40 people were involved in the fight, some were carrying baseball bats and knives. It lasted for about 10 minutes before the cops were called.
"At one point two cars came screeching up the street and you could hear them being trashed. You could hear them being kicked and I think one of the windscreens was smashed in.
"The lad managed to walk off before he collapsed on the ground. You could see the blood on the street this morning but the rain has washed it away now."
The witness said a few members of the S6 gang were invited to the party but the rival gang turned up and trouble flared.
"There is a lot of rivalry between the two gangs, fights and stuff like that," he added.
One Rokeby Drive resident said the area did suffer from gang-related problems but said they had never before been as extreme as stabbings or murder.
"There are gangs about and they do come and go. There have been gang problems but the community support officers tend to get rid of them. It has improved recently," he added.
Another resident added: "It is getting bad around here. You see youths on the street corner but you can't say anything."
Another woman, a pensioner who called the police last night, said: "There was a tremendous noise and I looked out of the window and saw a lot of men fighting. I didn't dare go out so I phoned the police. The next thing I hear someone has been stabbed."
Another added: "You get your usual mobs of kids but no bother. I think everyone is shocked that it has happened around here."
Police immediately cordoned off the murder scene and began searching for eyewitnesses to help them piece together what happened.
Scenes of crime officers combed the streets, gardens and nearby alleyways looking for forensic evidence. They could be seen looking under bushes and hedges.
Flowers were placed at the scene by tearful youths who gathered at the spot where Dale fell.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police believe the assault is linked to a disturbance outside a house on Rokeby Drive shortly before."
Witnesses or anyone with information should call 0114 296 3959.
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