I was only trying to prevent a fight, says stab victim (From Swindon Advertiser)

I was only trying to prevent a fight, says stab victim

8:30am Saturday 9th June 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

A MAN has spoken of his shock of being stabbed in the arm and back while trying to diffuse an argument in the street.

Police were called to a fight in Westcott Place at 9.50pm on Wednesday.

The fight, which involved a number of men and women, resulted in 21-year-old Matthew Sanders, was stabbed.

Matthew, of Park South, and his partner Lauren had been at the wedding of Lauren’s father during the day and they were in the Greyhound Pub celebrating when the fight broke out in the street between Lauren’s brother and three men.

Matthew went outside to try to diffuse the situation, but during the argument a man got involved and when Matthew tried to chase him off the man turned on him with a knife and stabbed him while the other two were wrestling on the floor.

“There was an argument between Lauren’s brother and a couple of other guys,” said Matthew.

“I went out to try and get Lauren’s brother away when this guy came across the road by himself. We were chasing him away when he turned around with a knife, I couldn’t quite believe it.

“We managed to get him to the ground but he got me on the back and on the side of the arm. I didn’t really know I had been stabbed in the heat of things.

“They said I was lucky with the one on the back, if it had gone any deeper it could have got a lung or something. I don’t know what was said before I got there to make him come back with a knife. It ruined what was meant to be a nice day.”

Detectives would like to speak to three men who came to help those involved in the fight. They believe they could be witnesses. Police are seeking an Asian man in connection with the incident, who is described as 5ft 2in, of slight build and in his early 20s. He wore a black T-shirt with the letters VOI in red, blue jeans and black Adidas trainers.

Call 101 and ask for the Duty Detective Sergeant, Swindon CID or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.