A man is in hospital after reportedly stabbing himself in chest repeatedly in a Swindon street – leaving witnesses horrified.
Police raced to reports of a serious incident unfolding in Ermin Street, just off Hobley Drive in Stratton, at around midday on Sunday (19 October).
Officers found a man armed with a knife, having wounded himself multiple times. Some eyewitnesses called 999 while others fled with their children.
The area was busy with families with popular shops like Home Bargains and Aldi nearby.
It’s claimed the man was restrained on the ground and given first aid by officers before ambulance crews arrived to provide further treatment at the scene.
The man – who was described by locals as being in his 40s or 50s – was rushed to hospital.
Police cordoned off the bus gate and the pavement directly outside The Crown Inn following the incident. Bloodied rags were collected and put into yellow hazardous waste bags.
Buses and pedestrians were blocked from accessing Hobley Drive from Ermin Street – and faced a diversion via Swindon Road.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said the incident was mental health related.
They added: “One man has been transported to hospital with serious injuries.
“There is no risk to the wider public.
“A scene is in place outside the Crown pub and Ermin Street is currently closed to pedestrians and vehicles.
“Please avoid the area and seek alternative routes while we conduct our enquiries.”
