Police commissioner issues statement after fatal stabbing of 16-year-old in Chippenham
Philip Wilkinson calls for community support and action to tackle knife crime
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson has responded to the tragic fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Chippenham on Saturday.
Mr Wilkinson expressed deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the teenager, describing the incident as “truly horrendous.” He acknowledged the impact the loss would have on the close-knit Chippenham community.
“To see a young life ended in this way is truly horrendous,” the PCC said. “Officers must now be given the time and space to fully investigate, and I urge the community to avoid speculation while criminal proceedings are active and a family grieves.”
Wiltshire Police confirmed that a 15-year-old boy was arrested shortly after the incident and remains in custody.
Police presence in Chippenham
Mr Wilkinson reassured the residents of Chippenham that Wiltshire Police have acted swiftly.
There will be a visible increase in police presence around the affected part of the town, including a mobile police station placed in the area this week.
He appealed for anyone with information to come forward, either by speaking to officers, calling 101, or reporting anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Tackling knife crime
While incidents like this remain rare in Chippenham and Wiltshire as a whole, Mr Wilkinson highlighted the need to prevent similar tragedies.
“My office, along with all our partners, are working hard to encourage young people to think again before they pick up a knife,” he said.
Through collaboration with Wiltshire Police and local authorities, various education and engagement programmes have been implemented to steer young people away from knife crime. These initiatives complement the work already carried out by Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
A call to parents and carers
The PCC called on parents and carers to share any concerns they have about their children and directed worried families to the “Check It Out” section of his website for resources on knife crime.
“Young people, especially teenagers, need to feel safe, and we must reinforce at every level that carrying a knife will never solve the challenges they face,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of knife crime and working collectively as a community to prevent tragedies like the one in Chippenham.
Residents are encouraged to visit the knife crime section of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website for more information and support.