VIDEO: Police statement following murder in Swindon
Chief Inspector Nick Mawson addressed residents following the fatal stabbing of a 33-year-old man in Gorse Hill
Chief Inspector Nick Mawson has addressed residents following the fatal stabbing of a 33-year-old man in Gorse Hill, Swindon, last Sunday (10/10).
The victim was assaulted in a field off May Close at approximately 2.15pm, suffering stab wounds, and died at the scene.
Police have opened a murder enquiry with the Major Crime Investigation Team.
Addressing the public on Monday afternoon, Chief Inspector Nick Mawson said thoughts are with the family of the victim during this distressing time:
"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this difficult time and we have dedicated officers in place to provide the support they need."
The identity of the 33-year-old man is yet to be revealed.
CI Mawson also addressed concerns regarding a second violent incident which occurred during the same weekend, in Toothill, when firearms officers responded to reports of a shooting at an address on Warneford Close. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
Wiltshire Police have said they have no reason to believe the two incidents are linked.
In yesterday's statement, CI Nick Mawson reassured the public the police doesn't believe there's a wider threat to the public at this time.
"We understand the concern and distress this will cause to people in Swindon, along with the ongoing investigation into the shooting in Toothill on Saturday evening.
"We would like to reassure them that we do not believe there to be a wider threat to the public and we have increased our patrols of the area to provide reassurance."
CI Mawson, who's leading the murder investigation, has appealed to witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. He's also urging anyone with CCTV footage of the area at the time of the incident to contact the police.
"This is now a murder enquiry and we are continuing our thorough and detailed enquiries at a rapid pace to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, including speaking to witnesses, looking at CCTV and exploring all forensic opportunities.
"We are running a major incident room at Gablecross Police Station and urge anyone with information, including CCTV from the area, to call us immediately on 101 or, if you don't want to be identified, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."