Murder probe arrest after stabbing

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a double stabbing in Leamington yesterday morning.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Tachbrook Road at around 11am where they found a man dead.

Another man was taken to hospital and is still in a critical condition.

Police launched a murder investigation and arrested a 33-year-old man.

They are also hunting another believed to be involved. He is described as a young black male, who may have sustained an injury to his leg.

He was last seen at around 11.30am on Emscote Road at the junction with Fosberry Close in Warwick, according to police.

At a press conference, Chief Superintendent Ben Smith, of Warwickshire Police, moved to reassure people that there is no wider risk to the public, describing it as a “targeted attack”.

He added: “It will be our absolute priority to bring people to justice and in terms of the public and local area.”

He also said there would be increased patrols in the area.

Chief Superintendent Smith said: “We received a call at around 11am reporting that two men had been stabbed on Tachbrook Road in Leamington Spa.

“Emergency services attended and sadly one of the victims, a young male, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“The second victim, also a young male, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in a critical condition.

“A murder investigation has therefore been launched and we are working hard to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“We understand this will be concerning to the local community and want to reassure the public that we are treating this as an isolated incident at this time, as we believe this was a targeted attack with no ongoing risk to the wider public.

“The public can expect to see an increased public presence in the area whilst our officers continue to conduct their enquiries.

“We have arrested a 33-year-old man from Leamington on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody at this time.

“Officers are also trying to locate another suspect believed to be involved in this incident who was last seen at around 11.30am on Emscote Road at the junction with Fosberry Close in Warwick.

“He is described as a young black male and is believed to have sustained an injury to his leg.

“If you think you may have seen this man I would urge you to call us immediately on 101, quoting incident number 137 of January 15, 2020.

“We are also really keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at around the time of the incident, or may have seen something suspicious to also please get in touch.

“Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”

Part of Tachbrook Road remained closed yesterday and forensics were at the scene. A cordon was put in place and a tent was erected as the investigation began.

Residents spoke of their shock at the incident, saying it was a ‘scary’ thing to have happened so close to their homes.