A major police clampdown on knife crime in Bulwell continues to make a visible impact, with two knives – including a dangerous Rambo-style blade – seized in separate incidents just hours apart on Sunday 8 June 2025.
Nottinghamshire Police officers were first called to Bulwell Market Place at 12:35pm, following reports of a weapon being spotted in the area. A flick knife was discovered nearby and a suspect, Dwayne Matthew, 40, of Nottingham Road, New Basford, was arrested at the scene. He has since been charged with possession of a knife in public and is scheduled to appear before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 26 June 2025.
Just two hours later, around 2:35pm, officers patrolling Southglade Park on Southglade Road observed what appeared to be a large knife protruding from the pocket of a suspect. The individual attempted to flee the scene on an off-road bike but was quickly apprehended. A Rambo-style knife, known for its intimidating size and potential for serious harm, was confiscated. A 15-year-old boy was arrested and later released on bail with strict conditions.
These incidents form part of an ongoing operation targeting violent and weapon-enabled crime in the Bulwell area. Police presence has significantly increased in the wake of the fatal stabbing of 43-year-old Linton Needham on 20 April 2025 at Cinderhill Walk. A second victim, a 33-year-old woman, was also seriously injured in the same incident.
Gedimanas Cepla, 43, of Quarry Avenue, has been charged with murder and attempted murder and remains in custody. He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 26 September 2025.
In response to the April tragedy, City North Neighbourhood Policing Team has ramped up patrols, conducted school-based knife crime awareness sessions, and led coordinated action during a recent knife crime week of action. These measures aim to both deter criminal behaviour and educate young people on the dangers and legal consequences of carrying weapons.
City North Inspector Paul Ferguson stressed the importance of continued vigilance:
“Keeping our public safe remains and will always be our very top priority as a neighbourhood policing team. That includes doing everything in our power to take knives and other bladed weapons away from our streets.”
“It is a criminal offence to be in possession of these weapons in public, so our officers will always look to take action against any suspected knife-carrier.”
“These types of patrols are among the best tools in our armoury when it comes to identifying or deterring criminality, so we’ll certainly be continuing these going forward.”
According to the Office for National Statistics, knife-related crime across England and Wales rose by 5% in 2024, making community-based enforcement more vital than ever. In Nottinghamshire, localised strategies like those seen in Bulwell are proving essential in the effort to reduce harm and save lives.
If you suspect someone is carrying a knife, or if you have concerns about knife crime in your area, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or call 101 for non-urgent police enquiries.