Two arrested after 17-year-old stabbed at Oxford park event

Two men have been arrested after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the face, hands and buttocks at a community event.

The boy remains in hospital after the attack, which happened in Blackbird Leys Park on Sunday afternoon.

The incident was one of three stabbings to happen in the area, causing Thames Valley Police to enact stop-and-search powers, which expired at 19:25 BST.

An 18-year-old man and a 21-year-old man, both from Oxford, have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Both remain in custody.

Police said the 18-year-old has also been arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place.

He was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with an earlier incident on 25 March at Fry’s Hill Park, Oxford.

A 15-year-old boy was slashed in the face, sustaining serious injuries in this incident. He has since been discharged from hospital.

A 16-year-old boy from Bicester was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with this stabbing. Police said he has since been released on conditional bail.

A force spokesperson added the investigation into the Fry’s Hill Park attempted murder was ongoing.

Ch Supt Ben Clark said: “We are absolutely committed to stamping out violence in our community, and we have now made several arrests.

“Officers will be maintaining an increased presence in the area to continue to deter offenders and to reassure the local community.

“If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to raise these with our officers, and you can also report any concerns to Thames Valley Police in the strictest of confidence.”