Hunt for suspects after knife attack
POLICE LAUNCH ATTEMPTED MURDER INQUIRY
POLICE are hunting for two suspects following the attempted murder of a man stabbed in the city centre.
But despite the latest violent attack, Nottinghamshire Police say their efforts are driving down knife crime.
The 24-year-old man was rushed to the Queen’s Medical Centre after suffering stab wounds in Alfreton Road, Nottingham, at 10.05pm on Thursday.
He suffered serious injuries to his back and face and police say they are “actively seeking” two suspects in relation to the incident.
It comes a day after a shooting in Stapleford left another man in his 20s in hospital with wounds to his arm.
But Amy English, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for the area, says this latest investigation is being treated as an isolated incident.
She told the Post: “Our officers have been working throughout the night and into this morning [Friday] and continue to work hard, speak to witnesses and reassure local residents at the scene.
“We are aware that there have been a number of incidents recently. It’s worth noting sometimes violence can happen spontaneously. We are seeing a downwards trend when it comes to knife crime, but any violent incident such as this is one too many and we are taking this very seriously.
“We work really, really hard to keep the city safe and we are increasing patrols in the area, our officers are more than happy to speak to anyone who is concerned. Our message is that we are here for you.
“We are not linking this incident to any other incident recently.”
She added that knife crime in Nottinghamshire was down 11 percent thanks to the county’s specialist knife crime team – the force is the only one in the country beside the Met in London to have such a designated team.
Paddy Tipping, the police and crime commissioner for Nottinghamshire, said: “I think
the important point to make is that crime is down, knife crime is down.
“These are very serious offences and the police are very involved in the search for the culprits. Crime rates have reduced because of the original lockdown and this lockdown in Nottinghamshire.
“But these are serious incidents, potentially life-threatening incidents, so I am of course concerned about that. I will sit down and discuss them with the Chief Constable very soon.”
Meanwhile, local residents have told the Post the incident is very concerning for them.
Amy Bean, who moved from Radford to Arnold two years ago, and was thinking about moving back, said: “It makes me not want to come back.
“I lived here for eight years before. It is a great community up here. But this is worrying. It is very sad to see.”
Forensics officers were spotted at the scene on Friday morning and a cordon had been set up in the area.
Sharon Kelly, 62, who has lived in the area all her life, said: “It is horrible. It makes you feel sick. It is just not safe around here.”
Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward, and anyone any information is urged to contact 101 quoting incident 730 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.