Swindon stabbing: Neighbours react as man 'stabbed in arm and back'

Officers and forensic investigation experts cordoned off a section of Dulverton Road, in Park North, on Thursday and spent the night at the scene of the serious assault.

Police said that, at around 6.50pm, two suspects stabbed a man in his 20s and stole his bike.

The victim was taken to hospital to have treatment for his knife wounds, and he has since been discharged.

One member of the public who wished to remain anonymous told the Adver that the suspects approached the victim on their bikes, hit him on the head once, stabbed him in the arm and back, then took the man's electric bike as he stumbled home. 

DCI Geoff Smith said: “This is an unacceptable attack where the victim was subjected to a serious assault by two suspects.

“We treat incidents like this with the utmost seriousness. We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry.

“A significant policing presence will remain in the area while we conduct our investigation.

“I’m aware of the concern incidents like this have on the local community, so if you have any concerns, do not hesitate to speak to our officers.

“If you have information about the assault, or witnessed it, please contact us on 101 quoting reference 54230124454.”

Malmesbury Gardens on the morning after the reported stabbing (Image: Newsquest)

By Friday morning, the police tape had been taken down, though one police car remained parked in the cul-de-sac at the end of Malmesbury Gardens.

One neighbour told the Adver that he had raised concerns with police about antisocial behaviour in the area several times in the past.

He added: "It's horrible living around here, it's so bad. I've reported people making threats and coming and going at all hours from one of the houses, but no action was ever taken.

"I asked the police if they were waiting for a crime to happen before doing anything."

One police car remained at the scene on Friday morning (Image: Newsquest)

Another resident told the Adver: "I saw police walking around last night and we thought something big had happened but didn't know what.

"It's a bit worrying. When I walk home from work, it's dark and I often see people walking around with their faces covered by masks, or riding around on bikes."

A third anonymous neighbour said: "The first I'd heard about the police being here was when my granddaughter called to ask if I was alright.

"Do I feel safe? I have lived on this street for many years, so I'm not going to start worrying about it now, I don't really go out much anyway."