Extra police patrols following stabbing

19 January 2011, 12:36 | Updated: 19 January 2011, 12:39

Police patrols will be stepped up in the Racecourse area of Northampton today to reassure members of the public following last night's incident in which a man was taken to hospital with a stab wound to his stomach.

The 51-year-old man is in a stable condition at Northampton General Hospital and his condition is not life threatening.
 
The man telephoned police at 9.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 18 January), saying he had been attacked and stabbed by two men behind the Pavilion Restaurant.
 
He added that he had been stabbed by a black-handled kitchen knife but no weapon has been recovered and no arrests have been made.
 
Detective Sergeant Gemma Hutchings, of Northampton CID, said: "In light of information we have ascertained, we are sure this is not a case of a knifeman being on the loose in the Racecourse area.
 
"The man was walking to his address after visiting friends. No robbery took place and there was no apparent motive for the attack.
 
"If anyone has information about this incident then please call Northampton CID on 03000 111 222 or Crimestoppers, where information can be left anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
 
Chief Inspector Fay Tennet, of Northampton police, said that officers would be out and about on the Racecourse today talking to local residents and anyone walking through the park.
 
She said: "Serious incidents on the Racecourse are thankfully few and far between and when they do occur they tend to make the headlines.
 
"The Racecourse is a safe area to visit but common sense would suggest that walking across a large dark open space at night is not a sensible option when there are alternative routes available which are well lit and more populated.
 
"If you must cross the Racecourse at night, then please ensure you are in company with other people, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables out of sight."