Detectives investigating a serious assault on Argyle Road, Southampton have arrested a second person in connection with the incident.

A 22-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of attempt murder.

The latest arrest follows a call from the ambulance service at 5.10pm on Friday (16 May) after a man in his 20s sustained stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.

Officers continue to carry out extensive enquiries at the scene and in the surrounding area.

A 23-year-old man from Birmingham, who was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm, has been released on conditional police bail, pending further enquiries.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent following a serious assault on Bernard Street on Wednesday (14 May).

At approximately 10.50pm on the evening in question, it was reported that a 22-year-old man had suffered stab wounds, before running into a nearby store. He remains in hospital with life changing injuries.

Chief Inspector Matthew Moss, said: “We are treating the two incidents as linked and involving people who are known to each other. As such, there is no wider threat to the community.

“Our teams and officers have been working tirelessly, around the clock, since these reports were first made to us.

“It is thanks to their hard work and the support and information from our communities that the investigation has progressed at a pace, evidenced by the arrests that have been made.

“I fully understand the significant concern that incidents such as these will have caused within the areas concerned, as well as the wider community.

“But, I hope the rapid developments in our investigation will offer you all reassurance that we are determined to bring those responsible to account, and that our relentless hard work and enquiries will continue to ensure this happens.”

On what the public should expect over the coming days, Chief Inspector Moss, said: “You will continue to see officers in the areas of the incidents as our enquiries and further reassurance patrols continue.

“Please look out for them on your travels and please come over and have a chat with them if there’s anything else you would like to discuss, ask or share with them.

“We will do our very best to keep you all updated on the latest in our investigation as and when we are able to, as we have already done over the last few days.”

As part of our response to these incidents, we have implemented additional stop and search powers over the last 48 hours. These were utilised under Section 60 of the Criminal of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The powers, which expire this evening (Sunday 18 May), have given our officers the ability to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.

A total of 15 stop and searches have been carried out as a result of these additional powers and one person – a 19-year-old man from Fareham - arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B, assault causing ABH and common assault of an emergency worker.

He has since been released on conditional police bail, pending further enquiries.

Three knives have also been seized during officers’ patrols, having been located discarded.

Anyone with any information about either of the above incidents should contact 101 and quote incident number 44250213949.

You can also report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, below;

How to tell us about an existing case or report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers