A CHARD man has appeared in court after an alleged stabbing in the town centre on Christmas Day.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the scene at around 9.45pm on Tuesday, December 25.

Two men were injured following the alleged incident which took place outside the Specsavers opticians in Fore Street, Chard.

Sylwester Mazur, a 38-year-old man who lives in Henson Park in Chard, was arrested by police on Boxing Day and charged with three offences.

He appeared before Taunton Magistrates Court earlier today (Thursday, December 27).

Following his arrest, a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “The charges are in connection with an incident in Fore Street at around 9.30pm on Christmas Day. Two men were treated for stab injuries in hospital but have since been discharged."

The court heard that the defendant is a Polish national who has lived in Chard for 12 years, and he has worked at one of the town’s Oscar Mayer sites for the past decade.

He was represented in court by Greg Peters.

Mazur was charged with unlawfully or maliciously wounding Arthur Nowakowski with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

His second charge was that he unlawfully or maliciously wounded Mateusz Wesolowski with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

The final charge was that Sylwester Mazur had without good reason or lawful authority in a public place a bladed article.

The magistrates decided that the incident was so serious that the matter must be dealt with by a crown court.

They decided to adjourn the court proceedings until January 28, 2019.

On this date, Mazur will have to appear before Taunton Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing.

Until then, the Taunton magistrates decided to remand him in custody.