Investigators are searching for members of an unknown group who forced their way into a Halloween gathering and stabbed five teenage boys in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire. The attack took place shortly after 22:30 GMT on Saturday at a house on Park Road. Three victims aged 16 and two aged 17 were hospitalised with serious injuries. According to BBC News, police have launched an appeal for witnesses and footage from the scene.
Hampshire Police is urging anyone present at the party or with relevant video evidence—including doorbell camera recordings from Park Road and surrounding streets—to come forward. Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Elizabeth Pirie stated that officers are working to identify attendees who may have directly witnessed the incident, captured footage, or can help identify the attackers.
What happened at the scene?
Witnesses described seeing an individual flee the house claiming to have been stabbed, pursued by two others, according to reporting from the BBC. Emergency services responded with both ground and air ambulances attending the location. By Sunday, 1 November, the Daily Echo reported that police had spoken to witnesses, identified available CCTV and other footage, and made inquiries at nearby homes and streets. Officers were observed conducting a fingertip search within the cordoned area, including raking leaves and bushes to recover potential evidence.
How is the community responding?
Local churches have opened their doors to provide support to residents affected by the violence. St Boniface Church on Hursley Road will remain open from 09:00 to 17:00 throughout the week, offering a space for reflection and prayer. St Martin in the Wood on Queen's Road will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays between 15:00 and 17:00.
Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis expressed the community's distress, saying:
The community is in just shock this morning that such an awful thing could have occurred. My thoughts are with the parents of the boys, the boys and the whole community. It is very sad to think that these five boys have been put in hospital as a result of this incident.The MP urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information online, allowing police to conduct their investigation.
What is the police investigation focusing on?
Police cordons remain in place along Park Road and Valley Road as officers continue their inquiries. Investigators have been speaking to residents at neighbouring properties and in several nearby streets to gather information. Det Ch Insp Pirie emphasised the importance of identifying anyone at the party, whether they witnessed the attack directly, recorded footage, or possess information about the unknown group responsible.
What happens next?
Police are appealing for anyone who attended the party and has not yet spoken to officers, or anyone with relevant footage, to contact them immediately, according to Sky News. The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to identify the attackers and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
