A man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after a serious assault in Southend that left two people injured.
The incident unfolded inside a property on Stadium Road in the early hours of Sunday, 16 February. Emergency services were called to nearby Greyhound Way shortly before 5am, following reports of a man suffering from stab wounds.
Officers and paramedics arrived within minutes, swiftly administering medical assistance before the male victim was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition. He is now reported to be stable in hospital.
During the police investigation, it was determined that his injuries were sustained inside the Stadium Road address. When officers attended the property, they also discovered a woman who had suffered injuries and she was also taken to hospital.
A 21-year-old man was arrested later that morning, and after extensive enquiries by the Serious Crime Directorate, charges were secured against Marlon Buchoon-Katsambe, of Stadium Road, Southend.
He faces two counts of attempted murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating, and two counts of intentional strangulation. He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17 February.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe of the Serious Crime Directorate commended the swift response and dedication shown by all emergency services involved, saying: “This was a serious incident which rightly warranted a substantial response. We quickly had officers on the scene and across the wider Southend area carrying out enquiries yesterday, and this work continues.
“I would like to praise the efforts of responding officers, and the paramedics and hospital staff, for their tireless work across the past 24 hours. These charges are the result of diligent effort across many teams to establish what led to two people suffering these injuries.”
Reassuring the local community, she added: “While there will understandably be public concern, I would like to reinforce the message that we know this incident took place inside a private address and involved people known to each other. I remain confident there is no ongoing threat to the wider public.”
Appeal for information
Essex Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and urge anyone with information to come forward.
You can report information by visiting the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk or by using the online Live Chat service, available 24/7. Alternatively, you can call 101 and quote incident 175 of 16 February.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.