Peterborough politicians speak out after ‘horrific and violent act’ at city jewellers
Reports man suffered ‘serious’ injuries in ‘stabbing’ at jewellery shop on Gladstone Street
Peterborough politicians have spoken of their shock following reports of a stabbing during an incident at a jewellers shop in Peterborough.
There is a major police presence at the Lala Jewellers at the corner of Gladstone Street and Taverners Road following an incident on Saturday (November 14.)
Cambridgeshire Police have said a man is fighting for his life after six men robbed the store at about 11.50am on Saturday, November 14.
Police said six men entered the store, including two who were wearing white, traditional Pakistani clothing.
Two employees behind the counter were assaulted and shelves were emptied, before the men fled in separate vehicles.
One employee, a 50-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a life threatening condition.
The other employee, a 30-year-old man, suffered minor injuries.
Speaking on social media, Mr Pakes said: “am concerned by reports of the robbery at the jewellers on Taverners Road today. This was a horrific and violent act. My thoughts are with the family and everyone affected by the attack.
“No-one should have to fear being attacked just for doing their job or going about their daily lives. This is an appalling attack on those affected as well as our community as a whole.
“I am in touch with the police and local authorities and will stay in regular contact with them.
“Thank you to the local councillors for keeping me updated about community concerns. There will be more to be said in the days ahead as more information comes to light and the police carry out their investigation.
“But for now, we have asked for and the police have agreed to extra police patrols in the local area. Please get in touch with me or one of the local councillors if you have any further concerns.
“This is a horrifying act. Please avoid speculation or sharing distressing footage online. Give the police the space to investigate this crime. We will share further confirmed information as soon as it becomes available and is appropriate to release.
“Let’s say a prayer this evening to those affected and look out for each other.”
It is my request to you, for our community to stand together, and support one another, and allow the police to do their job. “Please stay vigilant, look after your neighbours, and above all keep yourselves, and your families, safe.
Leader of Peterborough City Council, Shabina Qayyum, said her thoughts and prayers were with the victims of the robbery.
She said: “What has happened on Taverners Road at Lala Jewellers is deeply shocking and concerning for the entire community.
“The owner has been taken to hospital, and first and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones and his family.
“The MP Andrew Pakes and myself have personally spoken with the chief inspector of police, who has reassured us that officers are doing everything in their power to find those responsible and bring them to justice, and that this is an ongoing investigation.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has come forward with CCTV footage or witness information.
“If you know anything, please report it to the police on 101, or online on Crimestoppers.”
Cllr Qayyum urged people not to spread unverified information about the incident, and to think of the family of the victim.
She said: “It is my request to you, for our community to stand together, and support one another, and allow the police to do their job.
“Please stay vigilant, look after your neighbours, and above all keep yourselves, and your families, safe.”
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow said: “There was a violent and horrendous robbery at a jewellers on Taverners Road today - that has had very serious consequences. The thoughts and prayers of the whole community, our City and Region are with the family and others impacted by this vicious attack
“This is not who we are. We stand together with those who just do their job, run their business and want to be free of the fear of the dreadful people who would do such a terrible thing.
“I have been in touch with police, councillors and those affected by this cowardly attack
“Let’s come together - avoid speculation - and support police to bring perpetrators to justice.
“I am here - as are local councillors Cllr Asim Mahmood Cllr Javed Akhtar and Cllr Ali.
“101 — to give information to Cambridgeshire Police when it is not an emergency.
“We are #Peterborough - We are #Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - Let’s show everyone who we are”