Workers feel ‘unsafe’ in Oxford area after ‘GBH incident’

Several people who work on Blackbird Leys Road have said that police incidents are a regular occurrence and that they feel scared in the area.

This comes after multiple police and ambulance vehicles rushed to the street on Tuesday at 4.35pm amid reports someone had been seriously hurt.

Locals said there were at least two ambulances and between 10 and 15 police officers present.

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One worker, who asked not to be named, said: “I saw a guy on the floor and thought nothing of it, and then I just saw sirens.”

A second anonymous worker added: “There were people around him and some guy trying to stop the blood. Everyone was running away. Everyone was calling the police and ambulances to come quickly.”

Ramesh Basnet who works at the local pharmacy said one of his colleagues went out to try and help.

Workers on Blackbird Leys Road have said they feel ‘unsafe’ in the Oxford area (Image: Matthew Evans)

The trainee pharmacy technician said: “My pharmacist went down to help but it was already being sorted by the team.”

The force remained present into the evening with a residential area by a series of shops cordoned off.

A spokesperson later said: “The victim, a man in his 20s, sustained injuries and is currently receiving hospital treatment.

Ramesh Basnet, trainee pharmacy technician (Image: Matthew Evans)

“A 41-year-old man and a 20-year-old man both from Oxford have been arrested on suspicion of grievously bodily harm.

“At this time, we believe this to be an isolated incident and is no wider threat to the public.

“Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, call 101 and quote the reference 43260248575, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Workers on Blackbird Leys Road have said they feel ‘unsafe’ in the Oxford area (Image: Matthew Evans)

“It was horrible,” said a woman who has lived in the area for 20 years, although she added that it is a “day-to-day thing here”.

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

Workers on Blackbird Leys Road have said they feel ‘unsafe’ in the Oxford area (Image: Matthew Evans)

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

“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.

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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.”

While Mr Basnet did not think it a usual occurrence he and those working at the pharmacy said they did not feel safe.

He said: “It is scary. It seems as if it is not safe around here. I am worried about going to the gym later.”

He added: “Everyone is a bit shocked to be honest.”