Shocking CCTV footage has revealed the distressing moment a 14-year-old boy launched a frenzied knife attack on a girl inside a shop in Cirencester. The incident occurred at around 11.15am on Sunday, 15 March, on Upper Churnside.
The footage shows the teenage boy waiting outside the shop before entering while the 14-year-old girl was paying the shopkeeper. He then forcibly grabbed her and struck her repeatedly with a knife as she tried to defend herself.
The shopkeeper intervened, attempting to pull the boy away. However, the boy stabbed the shopkeeper in the back, causing him to retreat briefly. This allowed the girl to flee the shop with assistance from the shopkeeper, who pushed the door open from outside.
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The boy fled the scene but was apprehended nearby. Gloucestershire Police searched him and found a kitchen knife in his jeans pocket; he also had a fresh cut on his hand.
The attack was reportedly motivated by the girl rejecting the boy’s advances. Following the rejection in December 2025, the boy had sent her messages using fake social media accounts.
At Bristol Crown Court, sitting as a youth court on Monday, 21 September, the boy pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He received a 12-month referral order and a three-year restraining order.
The girl sustained cuts to her neck, hands, and face, as well as bruising to her back. The shopkeeper also suffered a cut to his back.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, the girl expressed ongoing fear and nervousness, saying she now flinches at sudden movements and struggles with nightmares. She stated that the incident has affected her ability to trust others and she no longer feels safe being alone in her local area.
Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher, Head of Serious and Complex Investigations, described the attack as a “frenzied” one carried out in broad daylight. He emphasised how fortunate the victim was to escape with minor injuries and voiced hope that she can begin to rebuild her life following the traumatic event.