Overview
- A man in his 20s was stabbed with a screwdriver at the Widham Gardens building site in Purton on Thursday and taken to hospital in a life‑threatening condition.
- The victim has been identified by his family as 25‑year‑old Jamie Chappell and remains critically ill after emergency neurosurgery, with his family reporting extensive head injury.
- Police arrested two 36‑year‑olds after the attack; one, named as James Denys, has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm and was remanded to appear at Swindon Crown Court on 21 August.
- Wiltshire Police describe the assault as a targeted, isolated incident, have increased local patrols, and are appealing for witnesses to contact 101 or Crimestoppers.
- Site workers and emergency crews, including the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, are credited with initial lifesaving aid, and the next legal steps and the victim’s long‑term recovery are the key developments to follow.