Public support helps detectives catch two men involved in stabbing in Weymouth
Information received from the public helped detectives bring forward a case against two men involved in a serious assault in Weymouth.
At around 2.50am on Saturday 14 June 2025, two men aged in their 20s were assaulted outside King of Hearts in St Alban Street.
One of the victims was stabbed in his chest and was found collapsed in St Mary Street, where he received life-saving treatment by paramedics. He sustained life-changing injuries, which included having his spleen removed.
The second victim sustained a stab wound to his lower back and went to Bee Cars in St Edmund Street where he sought help.
An investigation was launched by detectives from Dorset County CID to identify those involved.
Following a review of CCTV, two suspects were identified committing the offence and their movements from the early hours were traced.
The two male offenders were seen entering an address in the town for a very brief period where it is believed one of them armed himself with a knife before committing the unprovoked assault.
Following an investigation, which involved gathering information and witness statements from the public, the two men were identified as 18-year-old Jurjingo Berisha from Basildon in Essex and 19-year-old Arjol Haxhija from Dagenham in London.
They were arrested and charged before appearing in court. Following a trial at Winchester Crown Court, on Friday 16 January 2026 they were both found guilty of wounding with intent. They were sentenced at the same court on Thursday 8 May 2026.
Berisha received a total prison sentence of 12 years for two offences of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. Haxhija was sentenced to 10 years in total for the same offences.
Detective Inspector Ben Griffin, of Dorset County CID, said: “The two victims had been enjoying a night out with friends when they were assaulted in a completely unprovoked and savage attack.
“One of the victims sustained a stab wound that was very close to his heart and it is thanks to the initial first aid provided at the scene and vital medical intervention that this assault did not lead to tragic fatal consequences.
"This was a serious and complex investigation. I would like to thank the victims and witnesses for the courage they showed throughout this process. I also want to thank all members of the public who shared and responded to our appeals for information – their help was key to us getting justice for the victims.
“Our investigation team and especially the officer in the case, Detective Constable Erin Kinghorn, worked tirelessly to ensure that Berisha and Haxhija faced the consequences of their actions.
“I want to be clear that we do not tolerate knife crime here in Dorset – we will relentlessly strive to remove knives from our streets and pursue those who choose to carry and use them.”
If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website. You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life.
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