A FATAL stabbing in Swindon yesterday has prompted an appeal for information from Wiltshire Police.

At around 3.45pm yesterday, police were called to Evelyn House following a report of a serious assault in a communal area at the bottom of a stairway.

The victim suffered a serious stab wound and was taken to the Great Western Hospital by ambulance but later died.

Although formal identification has not yet taken place, Wiltshire Police have named the woman as Alison Connolly, aged 49, of Penhill Drive, Swindon.

Three women, two aged 19 and one aged 23 from Swindon, have been arrested in connection with the death. All three women remain in police custody at this stage.

Detective Inspector Tim Corner, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We are treating this as a murder investigation and our thoughts remain with the victim's family at this difficult time.

“We are conducting a thorough and detailed investigation. We have a Major Incident Room set up at Gablecross Police Station in Swindon, from which enquiries are being co-ordinated. A police cordon remains at the scene today while forensic examinations take place.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the Park North area on Tuesday 12th May 2015, especially anyone who was in the Cavendish Square, Royston Road or Evelyn House area, between the hours of midday and 5pm, and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to contact us immediately.

“This incident happened during daylight, in a fairly busy area. There would have been a number of people in the vicinity at the time and I would be keen to hear from them.

“Any information, no matter how small, may be significant to our investigation.”

Superintendent Andrew Carr added: “I understand that the Parks community, as well as the wider Swindon community, will be concerned by this incident, however, I would like to reassure them that we believe this to be an isolated incident.

“We are working hard with our partner agencies to provide reassurance and support for those members of the community affected by this and there will be an enhanced and visible police presence in the area throughout this time.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.