Devon and Cornwall Police appeal for witnesses following attempted murder

A 31-year-old man has already been arrested following the attack

Author: Rory GannonPublished 18th May 2024

Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the attempted murder of two people in Exeter.

Officers first received reports of an incident taking place on Bampfylde Street at 2 a.m. on Saturday morning (May 18th).

When officers arrived on the scene, they found two victims - a 22-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man - requiring immediate medical attention.

Following initial enquiries, it has since been established the pair had been waiting for a bus when they were approached by a unknown person who seriously assaulted them with a knife.

It was also discovered that following the incident, the suspect had fled the scene but was eventually found by local officers nearby. A knife was also recovered and seized at the scene.

A 31-year-old man from Bristol has been arrested on two counts of attempted murder following the attack. he has been remanded in custody and receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries.

As well as this, a police cordon remains in place at the scene in Exeter, with a heightened police presence along Bampfylde Street, as well as Sidwell Street and Western Way.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Inspector Neil Lloyd from Devon and Cornwall Police said that whilst attacks like this are rare, residents will be concerned and the force will do what it can to reassure people of their safety.

"While incidents of this nature are rare, it will understandably cause concern in the community," he said. "We would like to reassure the public that we are treating this as an isolated matter, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to it.

“A number of scene guards are in place and there will be a high visibility police presence in the area throughout the day.”

In the meantime, anyone who might have any relevant information about the case is being urged to get in touch as soon as possible.

Those who might have witnessed something suspicious or have any relevant information about the incident can reach the force by calling 101 and quoting incident reference number 50240119713.

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