Attempted murder arrest near Ide

Suspect in custody in RD&E

A series of stabbings in Plymouth on Saturday evening has left four people in hospital.

Police say their injuries are serious, but not life-threatening.

People were attacked near the Railway Inn in Albert Road in the Stoke area of the city around 10 p.m.

Devon and Cornwall polic say: "The suspect had fled the scene by the time police attended. Follow-up enquires meant that armed officers attended an address in the Beacon Park area of Plymouth in an attempt to locate the suspect. He was not at the address."

A man in his 50s was arrested near Ide on the outskirts of Exeter later, under suspicion of attempted murder. He was initially taken the the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where, as at Sunday lunchtime, he remains in custody.

Superintendent Roy Linden said: “As we carry out further enquiries into this incident, the public will see a police presence at several locations across Plymouth today, particularly in the Albert Road area of Stoke.  This will continue over the coming days, with our Police Community Support Officers continuing to provide a visible police presence to offer further reassurance. 

“The victims are currently receiving treatment in hospital and their families have been informed. We would like to reassure the community, that although clearly distressing, this was an isolated incident and is not being treated as terrorism related. The suspect was known to some of the victims, and we can confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident."

Anyone with any information and who has not yet spoken to officers is asked to contact 101 quoting log number 1112 190920.

It was the second stabbing incident in Devon on Saturday. Police in Paignton have tweeted to say a PSCO heard someone shout for help in the town after someone was thought to have been stabbed. The community support officer chased and caught a man, whilst the victim was treated by paramedics.