A High Wycombe police chief has attempted to reassure residents that the town is still a safe place to live, work and visit following an alleged murder in the town centre on Saturday.

The alleged murder was the second suspected stabbing in High Wycombe in the last month and the second town centre attack in just two weeks after four people were injured during a late-night assault.

Chief inspector Rebecca Mears, deputy LPA commander for High Wycombe, said: “Understandably, whenever a violent crime occurs in any town, it can have a huge impact on the surrounding community.

“Three people have been charged and appeared in court in connection with the incident on Saturday.

“Whilst I cannot comment on any ongoing legal proceedings, I can reassure residents that there is no threat to the wider community.

“An incident like this is of great shock and sorrow to our community and I understand that people are concerned by what has happened.

“In general we are fortunate that crime is generally low in High Wycombe and that crime rates are continuing to fall.

“Thames Valley Police officers are continuing to work to protect the public and keep people safe, and our approach is working.”

Officers have highlighted that there has been 4,000 fewer crimes in the area now than there were five years ago, with almost 100 fewer crimes taking place in Wycombe in the last year.

In the last year, public order offences dropped by 21.8 per cent (from 252 incidents to 197) and violence against the person is down by 1.1 per cent.

Chief inspector Mears said that incidents like this are rare and police in High Wycombe work tirelessly to keep people in the area safe.

She added: “Officers are always in and around the town centre area and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to them, or to visit the Thames Valley Police website for more information about crime reduction and safety advice.”