TWO people have been arrested in connection with a serious assault in Taunton yesterday (November 24) that left a teenager in hospital with “potentially life-changing” injuries.
Police said the boy, in his mid-teens, was taken to hospital after an incident in Priorswood Place at around 5.50pm.
A boy, in his mid-teens, and an 18-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and remain in custody.
It is understood the victim was stabbed, though police have given no further details of the attack.
A cordon in place at the time of the incident has since been lifted, and CCTV, forensic, and house-to-house enquiries are being carried out, police said.
Neighbourhood officers are carrying out patrols in the area, and witnesses or anyone with information that might help police are being urged to come forward.
READ MORE: Taunton news from your Somerset Leveller
Inspector Steve Jones said: “We were called by the ambulance service to a serious assault in Priorswood place at around 5.50pm. While the victim has suffered serious injuries, he remains in a stable condition and will be offered access to any support services he feels he needs.
“We want to assure residents that while this is a distressing incident, those involved are known to each other and we do not expect there to be any wider threat to the public.
“A thorough investigation is now being carried out, and we will be visiting schools as part of our intervention work offering advice and reassurance that these types of incidents fortunately remain rare in Somerset.
“We are now appealing to anybody with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage at the time of the incident, or during the moments immediately before or afterwards, to call us on 101 quoting reference number 5225330303.”
READ MORE: Crime news from your Somerset Leveller
The nearby Waggon pub, in Dorchester Road, have posted reaction to the incident, saying they had taken “immediate action”.
“Today, we invested in additional first aid, trauma and bleed-control kits for The Waggon that will be available to use in the local area as and when required,” a spokesperson said, adding that staff witnessed the attack on Monday, which they said involved a person being stabbed.
“Our team were prepared, and that preparation matters with many thanks to Dan at Olive Tree Training,” they went on.
“The Waggon Fund (which is soon to be a registered charity) was created to support our community, with money raised through our events, raffles and initiatives.
“In light of recent events, we are now pushing forward with a plan to train local people in critical first aid so more of us are able to step in when every second counts.
“In the new year, we will be running free community first-aid courses, open to local residents who want to gain life-saving skills.
“Please keep an eye out for details – together, we can make our area safer and more resilient.
“We send the young man our best wishes, along with those that witnessed the attack and to those who came to his aid and of course our blue light services. Stay safe, look after each other.”
