Members of the public disarm man after stabbing in city centre

Police have praised members of the public who intervened and disarmed a city center stabbing attacker. The incident happened outside McDonalds on Bond Street at around 11.30am on Tuesday 28 May.

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital in critical condition with stab wounds and is currently receiving treatment, police said. A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing GBH with intent and is currently in police custody, a spokesman said.

Avon and Somerset Police praised members of the public who intervened and disarmed the attacker within seconds of the incident. Officers said they wanted to recognize the bravery of those who put themselves in harm’s way.

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“Several members of the public bravely intervened in this incident after witnessing it,” said T/DC investigating officer Andrew Smetham. “They disarmed a man with a knife and prevented him from leaving the area before officers arrived.

“People are never expected to engage in acts of violence and I would like to acknowledge the courage of those who put themselves in harm’s way. Another member of the public came to the aid of the injured man, giving him first aid and they too deserve praise.

“While we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public, neighborhood officers will remain in the area and continue to patrol the town center to provide reassurance,” he added.

The incident took place at the junction of Bond Street and Hannover Court, the pedestrianized street that links Bond Street to Horsefair and Cabot Circus, at around 11.30am. Police said they received a number of calls from members of the public about an altercation between two men at the venue.

“Officers were on the scene within two minutes of the first call and found a man in his 40s with stab wounds,” said a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police. “The man was taken to hospital in a critical condition by the ambulance service and is currently being cared for.

“A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing GBH with intent and is currently in police custody. Crime scene investigators recovered a knife while examining the area,” he added.

“Enquiries are ongoing into what happened and officers are speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage,” a police spokesman said.