UK knife crime epidemic continues - 3 stabbed, 1 fatal, in Lymington, 2 others knifed in Crawley

A MAN was killed and two other people were injured after being stabbed outside a Royal British Legion branch.

Police were called at 11.55pm on Friday to reports of an assault outside The venue in Lymington, Hampshire.

Officers found two men and a woman, with stab wounds.

A force spokesman said: "Sadly, a 23-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

"Another 23-year-old man sustained serious injuries, and is currently being treated at Southampton General Hospital.

"A 23-year-old woman received superficial wounds to her chest and is currently being treated at Southampton General Hospital. Her injuries are not life-threatening."

Three men aged 29, 20 and 18 and a 14-year-old boy have arrested on suspicion of murder.

Lymington Royal British Legion has issued a statement online, saying: "It's with great sadness that a serious incident occurred outside the club last night, next to Barclays Bank.

"Our thoughts remain with the family of the young man who was killed."

DCI Dave Storey said: “This is a serious incident, and our thoughts remain with the family of the young man who was killed. “We believe this incident occurred following a verbal dispute at The Royal British Legion and we have arrested four people as part of our enquiries.

“Please be reassured that officers remain on scene and there will be increased patrols in the area. If you have any concerns, or any information about this incident, please do not hesitate to approach officers."

Anyone who has information that may assist with our enquiries is asked to phone 101, quoting 44210425369.

Meanwhile, a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after being tasered after two people were reportedly stabbed in Crawley, West Sussex. Police were called to the scene at around 7.40pm on Friday to reports of a man in possession of a weapon. After officers arrived at the scene, they found two people had suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed by a bladed article. Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment. The suspect was detained with a Taser and a weapon was seized. In a separate case in Northamptonshire, a man has been charged with the murder of a woman found dead in a house in Kettering. Pawel Chmielecki, 38, is accused of killing Marta Chmielecka, whose body was found at a house in Wood Street on Tuesday. The 31-year-old was discovered after officers forced entry into the property. Officers investigating the death are appealing to anyone who was in Wood Street between 10.30pm and 11pm on October 15 to come forward. Chmielecki, of Wood Street, Kettering, will appear before magistrates in Northampton tomorrow (Monday).