RESIDENTS in a city estate have spoken of their fears their area has become a “drug den” after a man was stabbed.

Three men were arrested after the 28-year-old was found with stab wounds to his stomach in Colson Close, Winchester.

Police were called to a home in the estate last Wednesday and residents say there has been an increase in the number of incidents police are attending there.

The victim was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment after emergency services were called to a home at 10.47pm.

He was discharged from the hospital three days after the incident.

Three men, aged 35, 40 and 40, all from Winchester have been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and released on police bail until October 21.

Colson Close previously had a crack house closed down through a court order and concern is growing about an increase in incidents police have been called to.

One man in the area, who did not want to be named, said: “It has got worse around here, there has been lots of incidents and there has been a stabbing before and another incident with a suspected firearm.

“Colson Close seems to have become a drug den, there have been lots of drugs raids here.

“I have been a resident here for over 12 years and apart from the odd case of a drunken student its has been a relatively trouble free area, but it does all seem drug related.

“The place is getting a reputation as Winchester’s trouble spot.”

Daily Echo:

Nicki Elks (pictured above), a Liberal Democrat city councillor for the area, said the council is keeping a close eye on what happened.

Cllr Elks said: “It is awful for the other residents, I know there was a disturbance one night last week but I don’t know the ins and outs.

“I have heard from residents and I feel for them a lot and the housing department has been made aware of it as well and the community officers so it is on the council’s radar.”

A 64-year-old retired woman from the area said: “I heard at the pub that somebody was stabbed in Colson Close, when I was told I said ‘oh dear I live near that road’.”

“There have been incidents going on and there were two police cars here this morning.”

“It is worrying I think there are lots of different people walking backwards and forwards sometimes they go round the back. My neighbours are saying that there are a lot of unknown people around there.”

Another female resident said: “There are a few disturbances every now and then but there are in most places.”