A 14-YEAR-OLD BOY has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm after two stabbings in the Swindon area.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

No plea was entered at his first court hearing and he was remanded in secure accommodation.

He has been charged with section 18 grievous bodily harm, affray, and possession of a bladed article in connection with a disorder in Royal Wootton Bassett on New Year’s Day in which a 15-year-old boy suffered knife-related injuries.

The attack happened at around 4pm on January 1 in Ruxley Close.

Police arrested four teenagers suspected of violent disorder - including the victim - and a woman suspected of assisting an offender, all of whom were later released on bail.

Officers then arrested two 14-year-old boys over the course of Monday evening and Tuesday morning for violent disorder, one of whom was also released on bail while the other remained in police custody.

The young defendant has also been charged with section 18 grievous bodily harm, possession of a bladed article, and two counts of witness intimidation in connection with an incident at the Link Centre which seriously injured another 14-year-old boy on October 29.

The boy had his wrists cuts, police said at the time.

Police cordons were put in place around three sides of the building and several police cars were stationed around West Swindon, including a parked police van with blue lights on the junction 16 roundabout of the M4.