Bury St Edmunds Howard Estate rallies to support woman who was stabbed while walking her dog

A community has rallied to support a woman who was stabbed by a man while she was walking her dog in Bury St Edmunds.

The woman, in her 50s, was walking her dog in St Olaves Road on Wednesday at about 10.25pm when she was approached from behind by a man, who was not known to her, and stabbed.

She was taken to West Suffolk Hospital where her injuries were confirmed as not life threatening or life changing.

The woman has since been discharged from hospital and a man has appeared in court today in connection with the attack.

Shocked by the incident, the victim’s friend Catherine Hayward has organised a collection of items to make a hamper for her.

Catherine said: “I was obviously shocked and upset to think this happened to a friend.

“Later in the day when it was put on the estate Facebook page, I thought it would be nice to do something and support if other residents were willing.

“I suggested doing a hamper. There's been so many people wanting to donate it's been amazing.

“It's good to see and hear local people pulling together and showing support.”

A 58-year-old man was arrested 30 minutes after the incident. A cordon was in place around St Olaves Precinct car park.

Stephen Byrne, of Hodson Close in Bury St Edmunds, was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He appeared before Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich today and was remanded in custody to next appear at Ipswich Crown Court on July 14.