Abingdon stabbing: Attacker who stabbed man to death in Poundland 'chased down' by fearless bystanders

Police are not treating the murder as a terrorist incident

(Getty)

A man who stabbed a shopper to death in a Poundland in Oxfordshire was reportedly caught after two fearless civilians chased the attacker down and restrained him before police arrived, a witness has said.

The 36-year-old man was arrested on Monday morning in Abingdon following reports that a man had been stabbed. He is currently being held in custody.

Police have launched a murder investigation after the victim, who has not been identified, died from his injuries, but said it is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

Message from LPA Commander Rory Freeman

This afternoon we have launched a murder investigation following an incident in Abingdon this morning.Police were called at around 11.22am to reports that a man had been stabbed in Poundland.Sadly he has died from his injuries.A 36-year-old man from the Abingdon area has been arrested and is currently in custody.Poundland is closed and there is a scene watch in place.A second man was injured nearby and officers are investigating whether this is connected. He sustained a minor injury to his thumb.At this stage this is not being treated as a terrorist incident.We understand members of the public are concerned, and officers are in the area dealing with the incident and speaking to people to provide reassurance.If you have any information please contact the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org . No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Posted by Thames Valley Police on Monday, 7 December 2015

A witness at the scene told the Oxford Times she saw the attacker running with what looked like kitchen knives as he was chased down the street by two people, before he was restrained and a police officer Tasered him.

“I thought I must be seeing things,” the 65-year-old woman said. “I saw this chap with blades sticking out of both hands, maybe kitchen knives a few inches long.

“There were two men, I think civilians, chasing him and one was on the phone maybe ringing the police. They restrained him outside of the Spar.”

“A woman police officer Tasered him and he dropped the knives. Other police came soon after.”

Police have not confirmed the details of witness' report.

Thames Valley police were called to the scene at 11:22am to reports that a man had been stabbed.

Detectives are investigating whether a second incident in which a man suffered a minor injury to his thumb is related to the stabbing.

A police spokesman said: “At this stage this is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

“We understand members of the public are concerned, and officers are in the area dealing with the incident and speaking to people to provide reassurance.”

The Poundland has been closed and a police scene watch is in place, police said.

Additional reporting by PA