Wiltshire Police have launched an appeal for information after a group of teenage boys were reportedly threatened with a knife in Mannington Recreation Ground in Swindon on Monday 21 July.
What happened
Officers say the incident took place between about 4.30pm and 5pm, when three teenage girls approached a group of boys and allegedly produced a knife. The boys managed to flee the scene and no one was injured, the force has confirmed. The matter is being investigated as a potentially serious incident given the involvement of a weapon and the ages of those concerned.
What police want to hear
Investigators are keen to speak with anyone who was at the recreation ground at the time or who may have captured the episode on mobile phone, dash-cam or other devices. People with information are asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference 54260088201.
- Location: Mannington Recreation Ground, Swindon
- Date: Monday 21 July
- Approximate time: 4.30pm–5.00pm
- Police contact: 101, ref 54260088201
Local context and safety advice
Although no injuries were recorded, incidents involving weapons in public spaces are taken seriously by the police and can cause lasting anxiety in local communities. Parents and guardians may wish to discuss personal safety with young people who use local parks and open spaces. The force advises anyone who feels they or others are in immediate danger to call 999.
Witness appeals like this often rely on community assistance. Even short or seemingly unclear pieces of footage can contain details valuable to investigators, such as the direction in which those involved left the scene, clothing descriptions or registration numbers of nearby vehicles.
How to help
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone Wiltshire Police | Call 101 and quote 54260088201 |
| Immediate danger | Call 999 |
| Provide footage | Check phones or dash-cams for clips from the time stated |
More information will be released by Wiltshire Police as the inquiry progresses. Local residents with concerns about safety in public spaces can also raise these with their neighbourhood policing team to seek reassurance and any appropriate preventative measures.
