Police step up presence after knife crime incidents

Police were on Estcourt Street in Devizes on July 29 responding to a stabbing

A police force has increased its presence in a town after two serious incidents in the space of a week.

Wiltshire Police say they are "committed to tackling knife crime" and have increased their visibility in Devizes.

A man was charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed on 29 June in Estcourt Street and on Tuesday, Raymond Groves, 48, died at an address in Easterton and two people have been charged with murder.

A/Supt James Brain said: “Although these incidents are not linked we completely understand the concern they will no doubt have caused within the local community and we’ve had the mobile police unit in the town centre this week for anyone wishing to talk to officers and share their concerns."

He said: “Later this month, we’ll be hosting an event in the Market Place to share with the public the ongoing work to tackle knife crime.

“Knife crime can have a devastating impact on families and communities and we want to showcase our work, to not only enforce but prevent and engage with communities about the dangers of carrying a knife.”

A/Supt Brain and Insp Chris Wickham will be hosting the event at Devizes Market on 18 July between 09:30 BST and 11:30 BST.

Police and crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Whilst knife crime is rare in Devizes, it’s completely understandable that these two isolated incidents have caused concern amongst residents."

Mr Wilkinson said its important for the public to know they have a "coherent and holistic plan" to deal with knife crime.

“By being present at this event, the public will be able to talk to her about the strategies being implemented to prevent knife crime and how, through working together, we’ll be able to show how residents are safer and as a result, make them feel safer,” he added.

A knife amnesty bin remains in place at the football ground on Green Lane enabling local people to dispose of unwanted weapons.