Peterborough Big Issue seller and stab victim appeals for property to be returned as he recovers in hospital

The man was stabbed in Paynels, Orton Goldhay two weeks ago, and he remains in hospital as a result of the injuries he suffered.

When he was taken to hospital, his Big Issue bag and quilt were left at the scene - but went missing shortly afterwards.

Now the man, who is aged in his 50s, has made an emotional plea to have his possessions returned - saying if it had been stolen the thieves were 'lower than a snake's stomach,' and adding he hoped a kind hearted residents had taken his things in for safe keeping.

Inside his Big Issue bag was a special gift for his granddaughter, India.

He said: "Taking into account the seriousness of the incident to have consciously taken my Big Issue bag containing magazines donated by the Big Issue Foundation to help the homeless is lower than a snake's stomach.

"The bag contained sentimental items, including an Indian crafted shoulder bag that was a gift from India to my seven-year-old granddaughter, who is called India, as a present for her after she lost the tip of her finger.

"It would be very much appreciated if someone picked up this bag and has been taken to a safe place for it to be returned."

Police were called at 7.18pm on November 10 with reports of violence in Paynels, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough.

Officers and paramedics attended the scene and a man in his 50s was taken to Peterborough City Hospital with stab wounds.

A 17-year-old man from Peterborough was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent on 12 November, but has since been bailed until 10 December pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website: www.cambs.police.uk/report, using the web chat function or by

calling 101, quoting incident 464 of yesterday (10 November).

Alternatively, visit www.cambs.police.uk/report or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

MORE: Shock following latest stabbing in Peterborough