A SWINDON police inspector has sought to reassure locals after the latest stabbing on the town's streets.

A man in his 20s became the first Swindon stabbing victim of the decade on Friday when he was attacked in East Wichel.

He suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to Great Western Hospital, where his condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with GBH with intent, affray, possession of a weapon and possession of a class B drug. Four other young men, aged 17 and 18, have been released on police bail.

Insp Rachel Hardy of the Swindon Community Policing Team said: “I understand the local community will be concerned by this latest incident, but I want to reassure people that we acted swiftly to begin a thorough and detailed investigation, which has led to a number of arrests and someone being charged.

“We are continuously working both with the local community and partner agencies to tackle knife crime, particularly when it involves young people, and other related criminality."