Residents of a normally peaceful area in Bishop’s Cleeve have spoken out about their shock following a stabbing incident on Saturday night, July 25. Around 10pm, Gloucestershire Police were called to Finlay Way after reports of a man suffering a suspected stab wound.
The attack occurred near the roundabout connecting Finlay Way and Hayfield Way. Early the next morning, at approximately 5.20am, 21-year-old Jaimee Saunders was arrested in connection with the assault. Saunders has been charged with section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. She appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 28, and has been remanded in custody until her hearing at Gloucester Crown Court scheduled for August 28.
In addition, a woman in her 50s was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice linked to the case. She has since been released on bail under certain conditions.
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Neighbours near the scene recounted their experiences on the night and following day. An elderly local woman described hearing a “rumpus” around quarter past 10pm, coinciding with the time of the attack. She looked outside to find armed police officers present. “He looked about 10ft tall with all the equipment he had on,” she recalled.
Officers inquired if she had any video footage, perhaps from a doorbell camera, but she did not. A police presence remained at the scene throughout the night and into Sunday afternoon. When she attempted to interact with officers on Sunday, a policewoman requested that she return indoors and keep the door closed.
Another resident, aged 32, witnessed police searching bushes by the roundabout the following morning. She said that although she initially did not understand the severity of the event, seeing the police response was unsettling. “It’s crazy, especially for it to happen here on this street,” she remarked. “It’s all families and older people. You wouldn’t have thought something like this would happen just round the corner from where you live. I hope the man is okay.”
She added that Bishop’s Cleeve is generally a safe and pleasant community, making this incident particularly surprising compared to more common occurrences in nearby towns such as Gloucester or Cheltenham.
A long-term resident of 30 years also commented on the heavy police presence and cordon established overnight, noting that little more was known to neighbours beyond the visible activity.
Gloucestershire Police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Those with relevant details are encouraged to use the official online form, quoting reference number 53260063697.