Peterborough police carry out extra patrols as MPs say series of violent incident in city is a ‘worry’

While Cambridgeshire police said all incidents were unconnected, there have been a number of serious incidents in Peterborough over the past seven days.

Now officers are seeking to re-assure the public.

Yesterday’s incident saw one man receive life threatening injuries in Fengate, with emergency services called at about 10.30pm. Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Yesterday Cambridgeshire police also confirmed one man had been arrested on suspicion of murder following a death at a home in Park Road earlier this week. Barry Chapman, 34, of Paynels, Orton Goldhay, has now been charged with the murder of Nigel Wright, (64), of Park Road. Chapman has also been charged with the rape of a woman in a separate incident.

Two women were arrested on Monday in Peterborough following a fatal collision, which saw the death of Alexander Edney, 44, of Romsey Close, Aldershot.

One woman, Kathryn Watkins, 35 of no fixed address, has now been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured, failing to stop and common assault, while the other woman remains in a serious condition at Peterborough City Hospital. Three men have been released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

There was widespread anger about a street party on Sheepwalk, Paston on Bank Holiday Monday, which ended with a fight and reports of a man being stabbed - although officers said they could not locate a stabbing victim. One man was taken to hospital.

Over the bank holiday weekend a dispersal order was put in place across Woodston and Fletton over fears of violence, after sightings of men with weapons going into a home.

And last Thursday Peterborough City Hospital was locked down following violence in Dogsthorpe. Three people, including two 14-year-old boys, have been charged in connection with the violence.

Today, Acting Police and Crime Commissioner, Ray Bisby said he was ‘concerned’ about the number of violent incidents in the city in such a short time. He said: “I was concerned to see the increase in violence taking place in Peterborough over the last week and my thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the man who sadly died.

“There are many causes and drivers behind the reasons that make people turn to crime however I am satisfied that in these incidences, the police responded quickly to arrest those responsible and keep people safe.

“I do want to reassure people that while the police work hard to tackle violent crime, there continues to be a great deal of partnership work going on in the background to prevent people from committing offences in the first place.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Sloan, from Cambridgeshire police, said: “Officers are dealing with several serious incidents that have taken place in the north of the county over the past week.

“We are concerned by the level of violence and wish to reassure the public that these incidents are in no way connected.

“In each of these incidents we have identified and arrested all suspected offenders.

“We will continue to do all we can to bring those responsible to justice and ensure that Cambridgeshire remains a safe place to live.”

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara and Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said it was ‘worrying’ to see the number of incidents in the city. Mr Vara said: “At this critical time of national emergency it is worrying to see these crimes. I know the police are doing their best to keep us safe in these difficult times and it’s important that offenders are found and properly dealt with.

“As lockdown eases, there will doubtless be additional pressure on the police, local authority as well as various other public bodies so I hope that if members of the public see any criminal activity they will report it to the police.”

Mr Bristow added; “Violence has been low during lockdown, but that shouldn’t mean any let up in our approach. These were worrying incidents.

“I have spoken with the police about what happened. There should be zero-tolerance of gangs, illegal drugs and the violence they cause.”