Police conclude search in connection with murder of Swindon teenager
Owen Dunn was stabbed to death in North Swindon last month
Last updated 6th Jan 2023
Police, examining woodland in connection with the murder of a Swindon teenager, have concluded their searches.
Specialist officers have been assessing land next to Pitt Close since January 4.
The site is almost four miles from where 18-year-old Owen Dunn was stabbed to death, on December 4.
It's not yet clear why detectives were searching the area, or what evidence has been uncovered, but their cordon has now been lifted.
In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: "We would like to thank members of the local community for their patience while this work was carried out".
'Is it safe round here now?'
Owen's murder, on Mazurek Way in Haydon End, shocked the local community.
Amanda Harper, a carer who lives just metres away from the crime scene, spoke to Greatest Hits Radio the day after the attack.
"I'd walked with my son 24 hours earlier, right on the corner where it happened, and to think that 24 hours later I could've walked right into the middle of that was really worrying for me, in an area that I consider to be very safe.
"At the moment, I've got a knot in my stomach constantly thinking: 'Is it safe round here now?'
"Yesterday afternoon was quite a worrying time, not really knowing if you were safe to come out ... looking out the window and seeing lots of flashing lights and a huge police presence, it was not a nice experience.
"My heart goes out to the family ... I really hope the police are able to conclude all of this and justice is done," she said.
More than £11,000 has been raised over the past month, to support Owen's family. His funeral will be held at midday on February 3, at the Kingsdown Crematorium.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and is currently being remanded in secure accommodation. A pre-trial and preparation hearing is scheduled on February 24 at Bristol Crown Court.
Police are continuing to urge anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference Operation Glendale.
Alternatively, people can contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.