Investigation launched and six arrested following serious assault in Southampton

A police investigation has been launched following the serious assault of a teenager in Southampton on Thursday evening (22 August).

We were called shortly after 9pm to a report of an altercation taking place on the green area between Byron Road, Gerard Crescent and Burke Drive.

Officers patrolling nearby located an 18-year-old with a stab wound to his torso. He was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

Four 17-year-old boys from Southampton were arrested on suspicion of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and affray. A knife was seized from one of the boys and he was additionally arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Police received a second call at 11.11pm, relating to the concern for the welfare of a 19-year-old man at an address on Boswell Close. The man later attended hospital for treatment for an injury to his hand.

We believe this report to be linked to the earlier incident, and two further people were arrested – a 19-year-old man on suspicion of affray and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and a 17-year-old girl from Southampton on suspicion of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. 

All six people arrested have been released from police custody under strict bail conditions to allow for further enquiries to continue.

Officers have been in the Boswell Close, Byron Road, Gerard Crescent and Burke Drive areas across the Bank Holiday weekend carrying out enquiries and high visibility patrols.

Police Sergeant Louise Taylor said: “We know that those living locally will be concerned to hear of these incidents, however we want to reassure you that we are carrying out thorough and extensive enquiries in order to establish the full circumstances of what has taken place and robustly deal with those responsible.

“We remain in the area as part of our ongoing investigation – please do come and speak to patrolling officers if you have any questions, information or concerns – we will be more than happy to discuss these with you.

“I want Southampton residents to know that this level of violence and the use of weapons will not be tolerated by police. We continue our relentless targeting of this issue alongside other key agencies in the city and will respond robustly to reports made to us about those carrying weapons.

“Our dedicated patrols will continue, while in the background we are working alongside partners, schools and wider support services to identify those carrying weapons, or those who are repeatedly intent on causing harm. As always, we thank the public for their patience and support while we do this.

“You can always be confident to report concerns you have about serious violence or people carrying weapons. You are our eyes and ears in the community and we can only prevent and tackle these incidents with your support.”

You can report to us by calling 101 or visiting our website at www.hampshire.police.uk

You can also report 100% anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with information about this incident specifically should quote the reference number 44240361478.

In an emergency - if a crime is in progress or there is likelihood of injury to someone always call 999.