Woman stabbed in Exeter

Bartholomew cemetry. Image credit: Rachael89

A man has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing his neighbour several times in an Exeter cemetery.

Joseph Willis, 49, will remain in custody until appearing before a judge next month. Last week, magistrates heard how he dragged Helen Pearson, 34, into the cemetery before stabbing her three times with a pair of scissors.

Ms Pearson’s wounds were not life-threatening, and she is currently recovering at home following hospital treatment.

St Bartholomew’s Cemetery, on Bonhay Road and where the attack took place, is close to both the city centre and student accommodation at Point Exe and in the St David’s area.

The attack took place on Monday 21 October. Police were informed of the attack around 10.55am, and managed to arrest the suspect shortly afterwards with the aid of a police helicopter. There are believed to have been a number of witnesses, who aided the victim following the attack.

Acting Exeter Sector Inspector Julian Pezzani told the Express and Echo: “We are grateful to everyone who has come forward already and we urge anyone else who may have seen what happened to get in touch with police.

“We would also like to thank the members of the public who helped the woman after she was attacked”.

A third year student who lives near the scene of the crime commented: “This kind of thing rarely happens in Exeter, and it’s upsetting to hear about the incident in what is generally such a peaceful city. The rapid response of the police and emergency services is reassuring though”.

Chris Rootkin, VP Welfare and Community, commented “I am shocked to hear of this incident and wish the victim a speedy recovery. I am in regular contact with the police and community partners to make sure Exeter remains as safe as possible for our students. If anyone has any worries about their safety in or around the city I would ask them to contact me or speak to the Students’ Guild Advice Unit so that we can work to address these concerns”.

For more information about staying safe in Exeter visit Sense Exeter, see this resource provided by the Students’ Guild.

Jon Jenner, Editor

Follow @ExeposeNews on Twitter and like us here on Facebook.

 

Man arrested for attempted murder after stabbing in Exeter

A 49-year-old man was arrested today on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was stabbed several times at a cemetery in Exeter.

Image Credit: Simon Li

According to the Express and Echo website, police were called at around 10.55 am to St. Bartholomew’s Cemetery on Bonhay Road, where a woman, aged 34, had been attacked.

A police helicopter helped officers in their search for the suspect, who was caught shortly after the incident.

The reasons behind the violence remain unclear but the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, despite suffering several wounds.

The cemetery where the attack occurred is close to the city centre and not far from student accommodation at St.David’s and Point Exe.

Police have emphasised that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing. But Acting Exeter Sector Inspector Julian Pezzani told the Express and Echo: “We are grateful to everyone who has come forward already and we urge anyone else who may have seen what happened to get in touch with police.

“We would also like to thank the members of the public who helped the woman after she was attacked.”

Despite the sudden brutality of the attack a swift police operation to deal with the crime is comforting for local students. Fourth-year Accounting and Finance student Janaissa Eaglestone told Exeposé: “It’s very reassuring to know the police responded so quickly to such a serious incident”.

The police helicopter was crucial in dealing with today’s events. You can follow the work of Exeter’s National Police Air Service helicopter on Twitter via @NPAS_Exeter. The account tweeted about the incident earlier today.

Vehicle containing suspect for a stabbing in Bonhay Road, Exeter located by NPAS 44. Male now in Police custody.

— NPAS Exeter (@NPAS_Exeter) October 21, 2013

The attack provoked a number of shocked responses on the social networking site, with a number of users retweeting the Express and Echo report alongside exclamations of disbelief and condemnation.

Students who have any information about the crime should call 101 quoting incident number 262 and the date 21/10/13.

For more information about staying safe in Exeter visit Sense Exeter, a resource provided by the Students’ Guild.

Liam Trim, Online Editor