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Michael Brits, aged 27, of Fair Close, Bicester appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on Monday (March 30).

He was charged with one count of attempted murder and of possession of a bladed article in a public place.

In addition he was charged with threatening a person, a woman in her 60s who police say is known to Brits, with a bladed article and outraging public decency.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire man named and charged with attempted murder

At the court, a plea and trial preparation hearing was set for Friday, April 24 at 10am at Oxford Crown Court.

This latest development followed a large police presence at Fair Close in the Glory Farm estate area in Bicester last Friday, March 27.

Responding to the scene were several police officers, who turned up in cars and vans, paramedics in ambulances and an air ambulance helicopter.

Oxford Crown Court (Image: Contributed)

It’s understood the helicopter, although called, returned back to base in Benson, near Wallingford, fairly quickly.

Police officers soon set up a large cordon in the area of Fair Close with reports of emergency services in nearby Churchill Road too.

One Bicester resident, who has asked for anonymity, told us that officers are warning people of a “very serious incident” but declined to give her any other information.

The anonymous resident said: “I asked someone that had been talking to the police for half an hour and they said ‘it was very serious but they can’t disclose’.”

Following that on Saturday, March 28, police confirmed that a woman in her 60s was allegedly ‘stabbed’ by a person known to her at an address in Fair Close.

This was said to have taken place at 4.15pm.

Detective Inspector Richard Allmond, of Oxfordshire Criminal Investigation Department, released a statement alongside the news where he reassured the public that there was no risk to the wider community and it was suspected to be an isolated incident.

On Sunday, March 29, the force confirmed it had charged Mr Brits.

Results from a consultative ballot announced on Tuesday afternoon (March 31) reveal 94 per cent of firefighters said ‘yes’ to strike action on a 71 per cent turnout.

Threats have been made that unless the cuts are scrapped, strike action could be seen this summer.

Oxfordshire County Council‘s Fire and Rescue Service is looking to close five fire stations, remove six fire engines and axe 42 firefighters under the proposals.

Stations in Henley, Woodstock and Eynsham would be shut down while Rewley Road and Kidlington would also be shut to merge together in North Oxford.

Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (Image: Matt Simpson)

Fire Brigade Union’s general secretary Steve Wright said the result “could not be clearer” and warned that if the council doesn’t “move quickly to scrap” the proposals, strike action “moves ever closer”.

Mr Wright, a firefighter in Oxfordshire for two decades, said: “The proposals we are facing will put public safety, firefighter safety and our communities at risk.

READ MORE: ‘Risk to life and historical city buildings’ verdict on proposed fire service cuts

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“This is simply not something we can stand by and let happen.

“We have written to those responsible for proposing these cuts on this much valued public service to withdraw these proposals.

“There can be no price put on the safety of firefighters and the public we serve, and we will do all we can to stop these cuts from happening.

“If that means moving to a formal ballot for strike action then that is what we will do.

“It is not too late for those in authority to step back from the edge and do what is right for the fire and rescue service and for the public.

Fire engines..Pic by Jon Lewis..1

“As well as our message to Oxfordshire County Council, we will take this argument to government, to the fire minister and to the prime minister.

“They need to be aware of the real damage these cuts will have when it comes to the safety of the public we serve.”

Johnny Shuker, Oxfordshire brigade secretary, added firefighters are ready to strike as soon as this summer if the cuts are not abandoned.

“More wildfires and extreme weather events are expected during the summer months,” said Mr Shuker.

“By refusing to shelve these cuts, the county council is leaving firefighters with no choice but to go on strike during that time.

“It is playing fast and loose with public safety and that of firefighters by pressing ahead with these cutbacks.”

Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for further comment.