Huntingdon train stabbing: Independent investigation opened into Cambridgeshire Police's handling of knife attack in Peterborough linked to mass stabbing
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation into a knife attack potentially linked to the mass stabbings on a train leaving Peterborough earlier this month (November 1).
Just two days after the incident which left 11 people in hospital and nine with life-threatening injuries, Cambridgeshire Police reopened the case of Ricky Butcher (36) who has said that he was attacked by a man with a knife in Peterborough on September 27.
The attack took place at around 8pm close to the Fletton Club while Mr Butcher waited for a taxi. He was taken to Hinchingbrooke Hospital and received 15 stitches to close a wound on his lip.
Just two days later, police sent a text message to Mr Butcher to say they could not trace the attacker and the case was closed.
On Monday November 4 police informed Mr Butcher that they were looking again at the case and then spent three hours interviewing him at his home.
The force has been carrying out a review of prior police contact with the suspect of the Huntingdon train attack on November 1.
Following the train stabbings, the accused Anthony Williams was later linked with three further incidents in the city, including the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy on Friday October 31 and as well as entering Ritzy Barbers on Queens Walk on both Friday night and Saturday morning with a knife.
Cambridgeshire Police has referred itself to the policing standards watchdog over a complaint received into the investigation of the assault.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “This referral relates to a complaint from a man who was injured during an incident in Fletton, Peterborough on 27 September.
"We understand from the complaint that police were called by a member of the public to a report of a man armed with a knife.
"Prior to the police arriving the complainant reports he was punched by the man leaving him with facial lacerations. Police attended and spoke with the complainant however, the suspect had left the scene before officers arrived, and no arrest was made at the time.”
IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “Since the serious incidents on the London bound train from Peterborough on Saturday 1 November, we have been working closely with Cambridgeshire Constabulary to ensure that any complaints or conduct matters identified in its review are referred to us.
“As a result of this complaint we will be investigating the force’s handling of this incident in September. We will keep the complainant and the force updated as our investigation progresses.”
- Anthony Williams (32) of no fixed abode, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday November 3, charged with 11 counts of attempted murder (10 relating to the incident on the train, one relating to an incident at a London station), two counts of possession of a blade in a public place, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was remanded into custody until December 1, when he is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court.