17-year-old charged after stabbing on Stafford footpath

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing that left a man in his 60s seriously injured on a public footpath in Stafford. The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, May 14, near the Stafford Castle Golf Course in the Castlefields area.

According to police, the victim was walking along the footpath at approximately 7 p.m. when he was allegedly approached from behind and assaulted. He was found with multiple stab wounds and was transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. Specialist officers are supporting the victim and his family.

The suspect, a white Bulgarian national who cannot be named due to his age, was arrested on the evening of Tuesday, May 19. He has been charged with attempted murder and a separate count of theft from a shop. He is scheduled to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

In an update, Staffordshire Police confirmed that a 30-year-old man who was also arrested in connection with the investigation has been released with no further action. Authorities have reiterated a request for the public to avoid speculation or commentary as legal proceedings are active.