A homeless man who was stabbed near the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon this afternoon has been taken to Great Western Hospital with a machete injury, a source has confirmed.
Though Wiltshire Air Ambulance attended the scene shortly after the incident happened, the 33-year-old victim was taken to Great Western Hospital by land ambulance.
He suffered a slash-type wound to his lower back, thought to have been caused by a machete. It’s believed his injuries are more serious than first reported.
Detectives from Swindon CID attended the scene near the skate park, where an area of woodland had be condoned off and was being guarding by a number of police officers.
It is believed the victim was injured on a public footpath nearby and then walked to the leisure centre to raise the alarm.
DS Scott Anger said: “We believe the assault occurred shortly before police were called, so are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information about what happened to come forward.
“I understand that local people will be feeling concerned, particularly as there was another incident involving a knife in Eldene last week. At this stage we do not believe the two incidents are connected.
“Although this investigation is still in its early stages, I want to reassure the public that Wiltshire Police takes these types of crime incredibly seriously and will be carrying out detailed enquiries to try to catch the person or people responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Anger on 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
