A 15-year-old boy was stabbed and rushed to hospital after violence erupted at a busy funfair in Suffolk, as police have charged a 20-year-old man in connection with the attack.
The terrifying incident unfolded at around 6.10pm on Friday evening on the Recreation Ground off Camps Road in Haverhill, Suffolk, as families gathered to enjoy the fairground rides.
Officers were called to the scene following reports that a teenage boy had been stabbed, prompting a swift emergency response.
The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries but has since been discharged.
Police now believe the stabbing may have been triggered by an earlier altercation in which a 12-year-old boy was allegedly punched.
The suspected knifeman is also reported to have been assaulted himself, suffering a kick to the head shortly after the stabbing.
Two men, aged 20 and 22, were arrested at the scene and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
The terrifying incident unfolded at around 6.10pm on Friday evening on the Recreation Ground off Camps Road in Suffolk, as families gathered to enjoy the fairground rides
Officers were called to the scene following reports that a teenage boy had been stabbed, prompting a swift emergency response (stock image)
Detectives have now charged Sheldon Parrinello, 20, of First Avenue in Sudbury, with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault by beating, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place – namely a kitchen knife – and possession of a knife blade in a public place, namely a pocket knife with a blade exceeding three inches.
Parrinello has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The second man, a 22-year-old from Haverhill who was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm, has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as they continue to investigate the full circumstances of the incident.
A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: ‘Anyone who saw what happened or who may have relevant footage is urged to get in touch.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact West CID at Bury St Edmunds Police Station quoting reference 37/23718/25, or call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
