Man Stabbed In The Back In Bitterne

Detectives are investigating a report of an assault in which a man received serious injuries in the Bitterne area of Southampton.

Initial police enquiries have established that around 20 young people were in the Acacia Road area on Saturday night (September 1, 2012) after leaving a house party.

It's alleged some members of this group approached a 23-year-old man, who was with a separate group of friends, before an assault took place sometime between 11pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Will Reid said:

"We believe the 23-year-old was assaulted somewhere in the area of Merryoak Road, Cornel Road and Blackthorn Road. He has received an apparent stab wound to his back. The injury is not life-threatening and the victim was able to leave hospital Sunday afternoon.

"I would like thank witnesses and members of the public who have helped police with information so far. The type of rowdy behaviour and disorder reported in this area on Saturday will never be tolerated by police. There were many people
nearby around the time of this alleged assault. We're appealing to them directly to come forward and tell us what they saw and who may have been responsible.

"The local Safer Neighbourhoods team remain on routine patrols to provide reassurance to the community, and continue house-to-house enquiries for information from residents, who may also remember seeing or hearing something important to
our investigation."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact CID at Bitterne police station by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800
555 111.

A 16-year-old girl from Southampton was arrested on Sunday, September 2, 2012 on suspicion of assault. She was later released with no further action.