A CHIEF inspector has said any knife crime is “one incident too many” in the wake of a stabbing in Southampton.

Around 10 officers, seven police cars, and an ambulance raced to London Road on Wednesday, July 6, after a man was found stabbed in the street.

READ MORE: What we know so far after 'scary' stabbing in Southampton

A 31-year-old man from Southampton has since been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

'Damaging impact of knife crime'

Acting Chief Inspector Sarah Nicholson from Southampton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team says the force’s top priority is reducing serious violence.

She said: “Whenever someone is injured with a knife on the streets of Southampton, it is one incident too many.

Daily Echo: Police officers in London Road following a stabbing on July 6.Police officers in London Road following a stabbing on July 6.

“We fully understand the damaging impact knife crime has, not just on the victim but on their family, the community and the person wielding the blade.

“This is why our top priority is reducing serious violence, particularly involving knives, and making our city a safer place to live.

“When a stabbing happens, it understandably causes concern in the community.

READ NEXT: Man arrested following stabbing outside Tesco store

“I would like to reassure the public that in these instances, we do all in our power to ensure offenders are caught and brought to justice.

“Please continue to report information to us so that together, we can make Southampton a safer place to live.”

'Preventative action taken'

Inspector Nicholson said police work closely with schools, social services, local authorities, charities, nighttime venues, and retailers to stop people from carrying knives.

She said: “We also have a dedicated High Harm Team which does a lot of work around this issue and takes preventative action based on information we receive.

“Other proactive work we do includes weeks of action, knife amnesties and knife sweeps of hotspot areas to take weapons off our streets.”

Daily Echo: Police officers in London Road following a stabbing on July 6.Police officers in London Road following a stabbing on July 6.

Anyone with information about knife crime can report to the force on 101 or on via Hampshire Constabulary’s website.

Alternatively, you can pass information about knife crime anonymously through Fearless (fearless.org) or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Witnesses, and anyone with information that could help police with the stabbing in London Road are urged to call 101 quoting crime reference number 44220269380.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News