Residents of a typically peaceful street in Bishop’s Cleeve have expressed their shock following a stabbing that occurred in the village late on Saturday night, 25 July.
Gloucestershire Police were called to Finlay Way just after 10pm in response to reports of a man who had been assaulted with a suspected stab wound. The incident took place near the roundabout linking Finlay Way and Hayfield Way.
Shortly after, at approximately 5:20am on Sunday morning, a 21-year-old woman named Jaimee Saunders was arrested in connection with the attack. On Tuesday, 28 July, she was charged with section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Saunders appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on the same day and has been remanded in custody until her next hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on 28 August.
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In a related development, a woman in her 50s was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice but has since been released on bail under certain conditions.
Nearby residents have recounted hearing the distressing events unfold and observing a significant police presence in the aftermath. One elderly resident described being disturbed whilst listening to music, hearing a commotion originating from a nearby property:
“When it happened on Saturday night, I was lying here listening to music, it was about quarter past 10, and all of a sudden there was a rumpus in their house, inside their doorway.”
She soon noticed armed officers outside her home, recalling the intimidating sight clearly: “There was a policeman standing there with a gun in his hand. He looked about 10ft tall with all the equipment he had on.”
Police questioned her about any available camera footage, likely from a video doorbell, which she did not possess. She noted that the police presence persisted overnight and into the following afternoon.
The following day, another local recounted seeing police searching bushes near the roundabout. She remarked on how unexpected the incident was for the community:
“It’s crazy, especially for it to happen here on this street. It’s all families and old people. You wouldn’t have thought that would happen literally round the corner from where you live.”
She added her hopes for the victim’s recovery and emphasised that Bishop’s Cleeve is generally a safe, welcoming place to live.
A longer-term resident, who has lived in the area for 30 years, also noted the heavy police presence and cordons that remained overnight but said little more was heard thereafter.
Gloucestershire Police continue to appeal for anyone with information about the stabbing to come forward. Anyone with details is encouraged to contact the authorities using the online reporting form, quoting reference number 53260063697.