Wiltshire Police are stepping up their presence in the town after the incidents

A police force has increased its presence in a town after two serious incidents in the space of a week.

Wiltshire Police say they are “committed to tackling knife crime” and have increased their visibility in Devizes.

A/Supt James Brain said: “Although these incidents are not linked we fully understand the concern they will no doubt have caused in the local community and we have had the police mobile unit in the town center this week for anyone who wants to talk . officers and share their concerns.”

He said: “Later this month we will be hosting an event in the Market Place to share with the public the ongoing work to tackle knife crime.

“Knife crime can have a devastating impact on families and communities and we want to showcase our work, not only to enforce, but also to prevent and engage communities about the dangers of carrying a knife.”

A/Supt Brain and Inspector Chris Wickham will be hosting the event at Devizes Market on July 18 from 09:30 BST to 11:30 BST.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Although knife crime is rare in Devizes, it is completely understandable that these two isolated incidents have caused concern among residents.”

Mr Wilkinson said it was important the public knew he had a “coherent and holistic plan” to deal with knife crime.

“By attending this event, the public will be able to talk to her about the strategies implemented to prevent knife crime and how, by working together, we can show how residents are safer and, as a result, feel more safe,” he added.

A knife amnesty bin remains at the football ground on Green Lane, allowing local residents to dispose of unwanted weapons.