Named duo charged after ‘knife assault’ by Oxford Ladbrokes

Thames Valley Police have charged Tyreace Crichton-Withers, aged 20, and Gordon Crichton, aged 41, both of Nunnery Close, Oxford, with one count each of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

This is related to an incident at around 4.35pm on Tuesday, May 19, during which a man in his 20s suffered an injury and was treated in hospital.

READ MORE: Shocking ‘stabbing’ condemned by leaders as Oxford community scared

This happened at Blackbird Leys Close, next to Blackbird Leys Road, where a number of shops are based including Ladbrokes and a Nisa Local.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Crichton-Withers and Crichton appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court (sitting at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court) today (May 21), where Crichton was remanded in custody and Crichton-Withers was released on court bail.

Blackbird Leys Road on Tuesday, May 19 (Image: Matthew Evans)

“Both are due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on 19 June.

“As charges have now been made, we are unable to provide any further details while proceedings are ongoing.”

In a previous statement, police had acknowledged that a knife was involved as they looked to reassure local people, who had said they felt unsafe.

Blackbird Leys Road on Tuesday, May 19 (Image: Matthew Evans)

On Wednesday, May 20, Detective Sergeant Pete Warne of Oxford CID, said: “We understand that incidents involving knives are extremely concerning for the local community.

“I want to reassure residents that we are carrying out a number of fast-paced enquiries and our investigation is progressing well.”

The force added there would likely be a visible police presence in the area in the coming days.

Following the alleged attack, local workers and councillors expressed their shock.

Blackbird Leys Road on Tuesday, May 19 (Image: Matthew Evans)

Councillor Lubna Arshad, who is the city council member for a safer Oxford and whose ward includes Blackbird Leys Road, said she was “saddened”.

She said: “It is important to stress that this appears to have been an isolated incident, and arrests were made quickly following the police response.

“Blackbird Leys remains a strong, resilient, and close-knit community.”

Councillor Linda Smith announced there would be increased patrols in the area by police and the city council’s community safety team.

Councillors Lubna Arshad and Imade Edosomwan, whose ward includes Blackbird Leys Road (Image: Lubna Arshad)

A woman, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said these sort of incidents are a “day-to-day thing” in the area.

She said: “It is always happening around here. I go to the door and ask what is happening this time.”

When asked whether an increased police presence might make her feel more at ease, she said it would not help.

READ MORE: Workers feel ‘unsafe’ in Oxford area after ‘GBH incident’

“Police do not frighten them,” she said. “If they want to do something they will do it.”

Her fellow employee added that he is “scared” when he walks back to his car at night.

Adam Esmail who works at the Region to Season store agreed.

The 39-year-old said: “We get used to it to be honest. Police presence is not unusual around here; this area has been rough for a number of years.”