Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Two stabbings a day apart
Two stabbings in little more than 24 hours rocked Canterbury over the weekend – as detectives made four arrests following the attacks.
Officers twice descended on the city following the incidents – which are not related – in Downs Road and near the high street late on Friday and Saturday.
The former saw a 33-year-old man sustain serious injuries at about 8.05pm as he was rushed to a London hospital, where he was said to be in a stable condition before being discharged.
A 17-year-old boy was also treated for minor injuries.
Downs Road – which leads to student hotspot Hales Place - remained sealed off into the following day as officers conducted their investigation, with some seen scouring a grass verge.
A 33-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and have been bailed pending further enquiries.
A Downs Road homeowner, 47, said: “Near St Stephen’s Hill, it’s quiet and peaceful, but up in Hales Place it changes.”
The following day, emergency services descended on Canterbury Lane at just before 10pm, after receiving reports a man had been set upon by a gang.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the assault.
“The victim sustained an injury consistent with a stab wound and was taken to a local hospital, from which he was discharged,” a police official said.
“We later stopped two men who were travelling on a train through Ashford and a knife was seized.”
Detectives have charged Troy Reid, 19, of Bellenden Road in Peckham, with possession of a bladed article and possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Ramone Thompson, of Peckham Rye in Peckham, has also been charged with possession of a bladed article.
They are due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on May 9.
Officers are urging anyone with information to call them on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/66420/22.