A suspected stabbing in Portsmouth town centre has drawn the attention of a massive police convoy after a viral video appeared to capture the attack in broad daylight. Pictures taken by members of the public on London Road, nearby a local Papa Johns Pizza and the Blue Anchor Pub, show what appears to be a public scuffle. Distressing footage shared on social media showing the daylight clash captures one man appearing to brawl with another before running towards two more people and down a street. A caption attached to the video reads: "Half 12 on a Wednesday and see geezers getting stabbed up midday.".
Did you see what happened? Get in touch with the Daily Mirror at mirrornews@mirror.co.uk. The clip, which was originally shared on X, formerly Twitter, has racked up more than 1,000 views, with Several police vehicles have since raced to the scene following reports that two people were stabbed in the area, with two ambulances seen amongst the team of first responders. Officers can also be seen standing guard inside a crime scene. Hampshire Constabulary confirmed in a statement issued this afternoon that police were called to "reports of a serious assault" at 12.32pm, during which a 53-year-old man was "seriously assaulted" by another man.
A police spokesperson said the man has been left in a "serious and potentially threatening" condition, and has been hospitalised for an injury to his stomach. Officers are still establishing what happened, and have arrested five people while they investigate. They include a 39-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a knife, blade, or sharp pointed article in a public place, an 18-year-old woman from Portsmouth who was been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to murder, a 23-year-old man from Portsmouth who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of cannabis, a 50-year-old woman from Portsmouth who has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and a 19-year-old woman from Portsmouth who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
They all remain in custody at this time. District Commander, Superintendent Paul Markham said: “You will see officers in the area while we progress our enquiries. Based on the information that we currently know there is no wider risk to the public. "Anyone with any concerns can speak to one of our uniformed officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be patrolling regularly”. Anyone with information on this incident has been asked contact police via the non-emergency number 101, quoting the crime reference number 44250054711, or via our website.
