'Knife attacker' on the loose in sleepy town as armed police launch hunt

30 October 2023 , 12:21

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Armed officers raced to reports of a disturbance in St Austell yesterday (file photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Police are hunting for a suspected knife attacker after two men were injured in a Cornish town yesterday.

Armed officers and paramedics raced to reports of a disturbance in St Austell at around 3.40pm to find one man with minor injuries and another with what is believed to be a stab wound. He was taken to hospital, where he remains in a non-life-threatening condition.

A helicopter was deployed overnight in an attempt to find the suspect, who remains at large. In an update this morning, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Armed officers attended the scene and the road was closed off while enquiries were carried out.

"Ambulance Services attended to two men who were injured; one with minor injuries and one with a suspected stab wound, who was taken to hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this time. Enquiries are currently still under way to locate a suspect."

Last night, witnesses told Cornwall Live of a large police presence in the area, including armed officers. Local councillor Jordan Rowse, who represents the Bethel and Holmbush ward, also took to Facebook to reassure residents.

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He wrote yesterday: "I have been made aware of an incident in Bethel this evening and have also seen the police presence myself. I have also seen numerous rumours circling on Facebook already. I am on the case and have been in touch with the Inspector of St Austell police to establish what has happened."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police quoting reference number 50230287032.

Carl Eve