Wiltshire Police has launched a murder probe after a man was stabbed to death in Swindon.
Passersby franticly tried to save the casualty’s life after he was found with multiple stab wounds in the middle of a field known locally as The Venny at 2.15pm today (10 October).
Great Western Air Ambulance landed on the playing fields between Pinehurst Road and Cricklade Road as local ambulances crews desperately attempted to revive the man.
Despite their efforts, the 33-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The entire field, stretching to around 400 metres in length, was cordoned off by police as a murder investigation was launched by the force.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service sent a single crew to the incident. It’s believed they erected sheets around the area to hide the man’s body from public view.
By 4.30pm, detectives and crime scene investigators had arrived. A forensic tent was put up on a large mound within the middle of the field as the scene was photographed.
There appeared to be a bicycle within the crime scene, near where the man’s body lay. It’s not yet clear if it belonged to the victim, a suspect or a passerby who rushed to his aid.
A woman in her 30s, who had performed CPR on the man, was asked to strip off and provide her clothing to the police for potential forensic analysis.
The investigation is expected to continue overnight and into tomorrow.
Police superintendent Phil Staynings said: “This is a tragic incident and our initial thoughts are with the victim’s friends and family at this awful time.
“I want to reassure everyone living in the local area that we are treating this as a major investigation and Wiltshire Police are working tirelessly and at pace to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“Members of the public will see additional patrols in the area and if you have any concerns or information, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to send out a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated by Wiltshire Police. Today’s events highlight the catastrophic consequences these actions can have on individuals, families and the wider community”.
