A man is being questioned following a murder in Salisbury yesterday (Tuesday, 22 August).
The 25-year-old suspect was arrested by officers following the fatal stabbing of a man in Gainsborough Close, Bemerton Heath, shortly before midday.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance and many other ambulance service resources were called to the knife attack.
Within one hour of the incident, Superintendent Liz Coles confirmed that the victim was in a life-threatening condition and receiving treatment at the scene.
Despite their best efforts of first responders, the victim was pronounced dead and a murder investigation was launched by the Major Crime Investigation Team.
St Michael’s Road and Gainsborough Close are expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future – as detectives continue their enquiries and forensic work is carried out.
Bemerton Church of England Parish priest Kevin Martin announced that St Michael’s Church will open between 9.30am and 6.30pm – with free tea and coffee on site.
“It will offer a space for people to gather to sit either alone or together in silence or to offer support to each other”, he said.
Adding: “Once the victim has been named by Police we will open a Book of Condolences.”
In a statement on Tuesday evening, murder detective Phil Walker thanked key witnesses who spoke to officers – which resulted in the ‘swift’ arrest of a suspect.
He said: “This is an awful incident where a young man has tragically lost his life.
“Officers responded quickly and, thanks to key witnesses and intelligence from members of the public, we have been able to swiftly arrest a suspect on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time.
“We believe that the suspect is known to the victim in this incident and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and there will continue to be an increased policing presence in the area while we pursue these.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any dash cam footage from the location, please call us on 101 and quote crime reference number 115 of today.”
