Police step up search for stabber (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Police step up search for stabber

10:13am Monday 19th February 2007 in Swindon By Raeanne Nightingale

Police are re-issuing a plea for information into the stabbing of a man in the Manchester Road area of Swindon.

The condition of the man, a 45-year-old Turksih man who has relatives in the town, is today described as stable but still critical.

Teams of detectives have been working throughout the weekend to identify and interview a large number of people who frequent the streets near the attack, which happened in the early hours of February 15.

However officers believe there are others who would have been in that area and have yet to be traced or who have not contacted police.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Hamlin, who is leading the investigation, said: "Whilst we have made good progress, I am still asking for help from the general public.

"I am convinced that someone in the Swindon area has the information I need to bring this investigation to a conclusion, and I would urge anyone who has information to contact us as a matter of urgency."

The appeal is particularly targeting these people:

• Any person who was in the Manchester Road, County Road, Corporation Street or Broad Street area of the town between 2.15 and 2.45am on Thursday, February 15.

• Anyone who knows of a person with heavily bloodstained clothing, or possibly a cut injury to the hands.

• Anyone who has any suspicions as to a likely offender, or who may have information which could lead one.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 408 7000 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.