Bonfire stabbing police appeal to trace man

A mugshot of a man with messy black hair and a moustache and goatee beard. He is wearing a black top.Image source, West Mercia Police
Image caption,

Police believe Abubakar Saleem, 21, can help them with their inquiries following the stabbing on Saturday night that has already led to three arrests

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Police have issued the picture of a man they want to speak to following a stabbing at a bonfire in Telford that has already led to three arrests.

West Mercia Police say Abubakar Saleem, 21, could help them with their inquiries, after a man, 20, was was stabbed at about 20:30 GMT on Saturday, in the playing field off Wellington Road, in Donnington.

Earlier, a 19-year-old man became the third suspect to be detained on suspicion of attempted murder and is being held in custody, the force said.

A man, 18, and a boy, 17, who were also arrested on suspicion of the same offence, have been released on bail.

The victim was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, but has since been discharged.

The attack happened about 30 minutes after a bonfire was lit at the event, which was celebrating its 40th year, police said.

Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

A grassy field with trees on the right hand side and trees in the distanceImage source, Google
Image caption,

The attack took place on Wellington Road in Donnington, where a bonfire and fireworks display was being held

The force said Mr Saleem is believed to have been in the area around the time of the attack.

"I'm appealing to Abubakar himself to come forward and to anyone who may have information that would help find him," said Det Insp Paul Drury.

"Our investigation is on-going into the events on Saturday night, and I would like to offer my reassurance to the community that we believe this was an isolated incident which posed no wider risk to the public."

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