Mum of eight stabbed to death

PARAMEDICS’ best efforts were not enough to save 49-year-old grandmother Alison Connolly after she was found fatally stabbed at the bottom of a stairwell in Park South on Wednesday night.

Mum-of-eight Alison was attacked following a scuffle which played out in broad daylight in Cavendish Square as school bells were ringing, and three women remain in custody as police launch a murder investigation.

Alison, of Penhill Drive, received at least a single stab wound during the altercation in supported housing block Evelyn House, and a post mortem has now been opened.

Three women, aged 19, 19 and 23 from Swindon, have been arrested in connection with the death. They were arrested at different times and places as police reacted quickly after the attack, which took place at around 3.45pm.

Evidence including a black Toyota GTO and a number of personal items had been seized from the scene, which police say could be ‘significant’.

Detective Inspector Tim Corner, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said the suspected murder was an isolated incident and a major incident room has been set up.

“Officers arrived and at the bottom of a communal stairway was a 49-year-old woman who had suffered a stab wound,” he said.

“There were attempts to revive her at the scene, and she was transferred to Great Western Hospital, where sadly she died.

“The forensic examination is going to take some time, and I imagine we will be at the scene for a number of days. It is not the quantity or the size of the evidence, but the detail that needs to be taken. Investigations like this are extremely thorough, and we have to establish all the evidence available.

“Three women were arrested shortly after the incident. House to house enquiries are ongoing, and there is potential significance to all the items seized, including the car.

“Alison had been in a flat at Evelyn House, and the incident happened at the bottom of a communal stairway, where there was an altercation resulting in this assault.

“We would appeal for anyone who was in the area of Royston Road, Evelyn House or Cavendish Square between the hours of midday and 5pm who may have seen or heard anything suspicious or that they think might be connected to to this to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“There were a lot of people around, it was a sunny day and a busy area, and I am certain that there is someone out there who has seen or heard something.”

Superintendent Andrew Carr said residents would be able to return to their homes only when completely safe and after detailed investigations conclude.

“We will have an increased presence in the area for some time to come, and neighbourhood policing teams will be on hand to support in terms of scene preservation,” he said.

“We are working hard with local partnerships like the localities and housing teams to help and reassure the community, and we are doing everything we can.

“There is no need for anyone to be unduly worried, as we are confident the incident is contained after three arrests.”

The morning after the assault, shops in Cavendish Square got back to business.

Danny Hirani, who has been the postmaster in Park South for two years, said the incident had tarnished an improving environment in the Parks.

“It is really sad to hear this lady had passed away," he said. "It looked pretty serious as soon as the air ambulance arrived.

“It is very disappointing because we hardly have any trouble here, and this is a real shock. Recently things have been really good here.

“It is very sad for the family involved, and something like this is never easy for the community.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.