POLICE have described the “brutal attack” on Edward Reeve as an “atrocious crime” where the teenage killers showed “no regard” for the victim.

Two boys, a 16-year-old from Christchurch and a 17-year-old from Bournemouth, were convicted of murdering 35-year-old Edward Reeve after a three week trial at Winchester Crown Court.

Mr Reeve met the Christchurch teen on December 29 hoping to buy drugs from him. Two days later, the boy went to his house with his co-defendant and three girls.

READ MORE: Teenagers found GUILTY of murdering 35-year-old Edward Reeve

The boys became aggressive and started punching holes in the wall. After the girls left, they attacked Mr Reeve with two knives, stabbing and slashing him more than a dozen times.

They then caught up with the girls and “bragged” about stabbing Mr Reeve and said they left him “crawling in the garden”.

Following their conviction, detective chief inspector Simon Huxton, of MCIT, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Edward Reeve at this incredibly difficult time. I hope that Wednesday’s verdicts provides them with some form of comfort following Ed’s tragic death.

“This was an atrocious crime where two boys showed no regard for Mr Reeve and attacked him within the safety of his own home. Neither of them have demonstrated any regret or remorse for their actions, which resulted in the death of a fellow human being.

“A detailed and meticulous investigation was carried out by Dorset Police, which allowed us to identify the culprits and bring them before the court to face the consequences of their despicable actions that have also caused significant distress to their own families.

“This case is a very sad reminder of the devastating impact knife crime can have on individuals, their families and communities and Dorset Police will always relentlessly pursue this type of dreadful and unnecessary criminality.

“If you believe someone is in immediate possession of a knife or offensive weapon please dial 999. If you would like to report your concerns about a knife carrier or need some advice, please email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or visit dorset.police.uk and report it online. Please help us prevent future tragedies such as this.”