The teenager attacked the 14-year-old girl inside a Cirencester shop after becoming obsessed with her, police said.
 |
| A 14-year-old boy has been sentenced after attacking a teenage girl in a Cirencester shop. |
A 14-year-old boy from Wiltshire has been sentenced after stabbing a teenage girl inside a shop in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, following her rejection of his romantic advances. The attack happened on March 15, 2026, and the teenager was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court, sitting as a youth court, on September 21.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said the boy had become obsessed with the 14-year-old girl, who was a schoolmate. After she rejected his advances in December 2025, he reportedly began using fake social media accounts to send her messages.
On the day of the attack, the teenager waited near a shop in Cirencester before entering after seeing the girl go inside to buy a drink. Police said he had a kitchen knife concealed in his jeans. He grabbed the girl and struck her repeatedly with the weapon. CCTV footage captured the attack.
The shopkeeper attempted to intervene and pull the teenager away from the girl but was also struck in the back with the knife. The girl managed to escape from the shop and raised the alarm at a neighbouring property. The shopkeeper sustained a cut to his back.
The girl suffered cuts to her neck, hands and face, as well as bruising to her back. A police statement said the teenager fled the scene but was found nearby, with a knife still in his jeans pocket and a fresh cut on his hand.
In a Victim Personal Statement read to the court, the girl described the continuing emotional impact of the incident.
“I’m scared and nervous anywhere that I go… I was in so much shock after it happened. I didn’t leave the house for a couple of days. I never thought something like this would ever happen to me, or anyone I know at all.”
She also described experiencing nightmares and heightened fear following the attack.
The teenager had pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, and possessing a bladed article in a public place. He was given a 12-month referral order and a three-year restraining order. He cannot be named because of his age.
Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher said the circumstances of the attack were serious and that the victim was fortunate to have survived without more severe injuries. Police also praised the shopkeeper for intervening and helping the girl escape.