A YOUTH gang stabbed a man in the chest, detectives suspect.

Wiltshire Police have appealed for witnesses following the serious assault on Kennedy Drive, Eldene, yesterday afternoon.

Attacked

The force said a 20-year-old man was attacked by a small group of young men at around 4.15pm on Wednesday.

He was stabbed in the chest and also received injuries to his head, although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. The man was taken to the Great Western Hospital for treatment.

 

Teens arrested - investigation ongoing

Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The local men remain in custody at Gablecross Police Station.

Last night, police had cordoned-off the top of Kennedy Drive, while detectives conducted house-to-house enquiries and a forensics officer marked out what appeared to be chunks of red brick with yellow forensics cones.

This Is Wiltshire:

'Isolated incident'

Det Insp Helen Jacobs of Swindon CID said: "We believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.

"Cordons were in place to allow officers to carry out examinations of the scene and these have now been removed. House-to-house enquiries are likely to be continuing today so residents may see an increased police presence, I would encourage anyone who saw the victim being assaulted or people running from the scene to speak to my team or call 101 with any information.

 

"We can deal with your call confidentially, please don’t put off calling us as your help could be vital to our investigation.”

'Hand in your knives'

The assault came a couple of days after Wiltshire Police launched a county-wide knife amnesty aimed at tackling violent crime.

Supt Adrian Burt, Swindon's top police officer, said: "Knife crime or violence of any kind will not be tolerated and our investigation into this incident is progressing.

“I can reassure local residents that we are taking this very seriously, I am aware of concerns around youth related issues and violence in the Eldene area and we are taking action with partners, we have increased our patrols and the community policing team are dedicated to helping ensure safety but we need your help.

“You may be aware that this week, Wiltshire Police and forces across the UK are involved in Op Sceptre, the knife crime awareness campaign and as part of this we are asking you to tell us your concerns, if you are suspicious that a friend or relative may be carrying a knife, or potentially at risk of being involved in the knife or drugs related culture, tell us.

"Your call could be key to prevent that person or someone else from suffering the very real consequences of knife crime, a single knife wound can be fatal.

“If you would like to discuss your concerns please call your Community Policing Team on 101 or visit one of our enquiry offices.

"Remember until September 30 you can hand in knives safely and anonymously to our special amnesty bin located in Gablecross Police Station.”

To report information about the latest Eldene assault call Swindon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.