'Kind and gentle' Bristol man fights for life after being stabbed in head with screwdriver

He was rushed to hospital following the incident at a building site, where he underwent a five-hour operation in which surgeons removed part of his skull. Callum Hoare, 26 Jul 2026Updated Jamie Chappell from Bristol, pictured with his partner Rosie, is seriously ill in hospital Man 'fighting for life' after screwdriver stabbing A man is fighting for his life after allegedly being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver at a Wiltshire building site. Jamie Chappell, 25, was rushed to hospital following the incident in Purton on Thursday, where he underwent a five-hour operation in which surgeons removed part of his skull. James Denys, 36, has been charged with grievous bodily harm following what Wiltshire Police described as a "serious assault". Paying tribute to Mr Chappell, his family said he had left for work expecting it to be "like any other day". A spokesperson for the family told the Swindon Advertiser: "Jamie is one of the kindest, most gentle souls you could ever meet. "He left for work on the morning of Thursday 23rd July like any other day, never imagining that within hours he would be fighting for his life. "Today Jamie remains critically ill. Every hour is a battle and our family continues to live with the uncertainty, fear and heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure." Emergency services were called to a building site in Widham Gardens, Purton, on July 23, where Mr Chappell suffered the devastating injuries. He was taken to Southmead Hospital for emergency treatment. His family described the ordeal as an "unimaginably difficult time". Police initially launched an attempted murder investigation before charging Denys, of Ravensdale, East Wichel, with grievous bodily harm. He appeared before Swindon Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody. A second 36-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has since been released on bail while enquiries continue. Detective Chief Inspector Deb Hatch described the attack as a "serious incident" and said her thoughts remain with Mr Chappell's loved ones. Article continues below Officers continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Anyone who can help is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting the relevant incident, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. ‌