Police have announced they have charged a 14-year-old boy with seven offences following two incidents in Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with section 18 grievous bodily harm, affray and possession of a bladed article in connection with a stabbing in Royal Wootton Bassett on New Year’s Day.
He has also been charged with section 18 grievous bodily harm, possession of a bladed article and two counts of witness intimidation in connection with an incident at the Link Centre in Swindon on October 29th, 2022.
He appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this afternoon and he was remanded in secure accommodation after making no plea.
Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “We understand the significant impact that incidents such as these have had in the local community in recent months.
“I’d like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to combat knife crime, particularly among youths, and ensure that it’s considered unacceptable to carry knives around with you when you’re out in the community.
“Knife crime can destroy lives and fracture communities and tackling it is one of our force’s top priorities.
“Our officers across the county work day and night to protect the communities exposed to it and we are using a range of enforcement, prevention and engagement tactics to take knives off the streets.
“With this work, we hope to deter people from carrying knives and ultimately reduce incidents such as those seen in Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon recently from reoccurring.”
