The police watchdog investigation has been launched after a woman suffered knife and hammer injuries in an alleged attempted murder in Highworth.
The 69-year-old was seriously injured during an attack at a property in Downs View at around 3pm on 4 August, with Great Western Air Ambulance scrambled to the scene.
The victim was taken by land ambulance to the Major Trauma Centre at Southmead Hospital in Bristol for urgent treatment.
A man, aged in his 70s, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident. Wiltshire Police said at the time that officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now launched an investigation into the force’s contact with the woman in the weeks and days before she was attacked.
Wiltshire Police referred itself to the watchdog on 5 August over its previous involvement with the victim.
The IOPC has established that officers attended the address on 15 July after a third party raised concerns about the woman’s welfare.
Police returned on 2 August, two days before the attack, following reports that a man visiting the address had been assaulted.
The watchdog will investigate how Wiltshire Police responded to both incidents, including the actions and decision-making of officers and staff involved.
It will also examine welfare considerations for the woman and whether there were opportunities for police to potentially safeguard her and prevent her coming to harm.
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: “This was a shocking attack in which the woman suffered multiple serious injuries. I wish her well as she continues her recovery.
“Having established at least two recent occasions where there had been direct contact between police and the victim, we deemed it was right to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances and the police response.
“Our investigation will consider if there were opportunities to potentially have safeguarded the woman and prevent her coming to harm.
“We will work through our enquiries diligently and as quickly as possible.”
