A man who carried out a brutal, unprovoked stabbing on an early morning walker in Peterborough has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison.
Inam Qureshi, 45, of no fixed address, launched a violent assault on his first victim at approximately 06:40 BST on 28 July. The attack occurred on Bright Street, Peterborough, where Qureshi stabbed the unsuspecting walker in the leg, arm, and head before fleeing the scene.
Shortly after, he continued his violent spree by throwing a hot drink at another man in Cathedral Square. He then chased the second victim and punched him to the ground before fleeing again, according to Cambridgeshire Police.
Police investigations quickly gained momentum after CCTV cameras captured Qureshi walking away from his first victim and disposing of his weapon in a bush near Deacon Street. A police dog later recovered the weapon, providing crucial evidence in the case.
Despite suffering multiple stab wounds, the first victim, a man in his 50s, managed to call for an ambulance. Meanwhile, armed police officers launched a search operation and apprehended Qureshi as he left a shop on Lincoln Road.
Qureshi appeared at Peterborough Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assault by beating. The court sentenced him to six years and six months in prison for his violent actions.
Detective Constable Maisy Napier described the attacks as “extremely concerning” and noted their devastating impact on both the victims and the wider community. “These unprovoked attacks have left lasting psychological effects, particularly on the first victim, who is still suffering from the trauma of the incident,” she said.
Napier described Qureshi’s behaviour as “completely unacceptable,” adding that she was pleased with the judge’s decision to impose a significant sentence.
This shocking incident has raised concerns about public safety in Peterborough. While police have reassured residents that such violent attacks are rare, they encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it immediately.
