Police are investigating a stabbing in West Mersea
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
9:00 AM
A COMMUNITY has today spoken of its shock after the unprovoked stabbing of a 16-year-old boy.
Detectives have appealed for information following the attack in West Mersea.
A 16-year-old youth, who is understood to live locally, was stabbed in the stomach while walking along Upland Road, near the recycling centre, about 9.10pm on Sunday.
A spokesman for Essex Police said the teenager was approached by two other youths.
Nothing was said and the victim became conscious of a pain in his side and realised he had been stabbed.
The spokesman described the incident as an “apparently motiveless” attack.
The victim was taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
His attackers are described as being aged 16-18 years, one wearing a black tracksuit and the other a grey tracksuit.
Last night members of the local community spoke of their shock that such an attack could happen in the town.
Alan Mogridge, chairman of West Mersea Town Council’s Crime and Safety Committee, said: “It is extremely rare. West Mersea has the lowest crime rate of any ward of any borough in the country. Fortunately I don’t think the individual was badly hurt but it doesn’t absolve the seriousness of the attack. It is a worry. However having said that West Mersea is a very safe place to live. It is the first time that we have had this type of thing.
“We are a very close knit community and I meet the police on a regular basis. The relationship between us is extremely good.”
Margaret Kimberley, who represents West Mersea on Colchester Borough Council, continued: “We do not expect this type of thing. We have a lot of youngsters and we have our fair share of problems but this is at the extreme end of the spectrum. It is utterly deplorable.
“I have never heard of anything at quite this level. It’s very sad. Obviously he is someone’s son and it’s a terrible thing to have happened.
“We have very good police, they always come to our local meetings and report about events that have happened.”
Anyone with any information about the attack should contact Dc Rachel Evemy at Colchester on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously if required, on 0800 555111.