Two Cops Under Fire Over Mishandled Assault Probe
Two police constables face gross misconduct investigations after bungling the inquiry into a brutal assault linked to the Huntingdon train knife attack.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is probing Cambridgeshire Police’s failings in handling the attack on Ricky Butcher in Fletton, Peterborough, back on 27 September last year. Butcher was left seriously injured.
Cambridgeshire Police Refer Themselves to IOPC
After reviewing past contacts with Anthony Williams, the 32-year-old charged with 13 counts of attempted murder for the 1 November Huntingdon train stabbing, Cambridgeshire Police reported themselves to the IOPC in November.
Williams remains in custody. No charges have been brought yet over the Fletton assault.
Victim Speaks Out as Full Investigation Kicks Off
Butcher endured cuts to his mouth after a knifeman confronted him outside The Fletton Club. Police reportedly arrived too late to catch the attacker on the spot.
“I’m happy it’s been taken seriously by the IOPC but disappointed in the two officers for not taking me more seriously,” said Butcher.
The force informed UKNIP that the assault is now under official investigation and a file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service but declined to say more.
The IOPC confirmed officers spoke to Butcher at the scene but made no arrests as the suspect had fled.
Emily Barry, IOPC director, said: “Since the serious incidents on the London-bound train from Peterborough on 1 November, we have worked closely with Cambridgeshire Constabulary to ensure all complaints or misconduct are properly referred. We will investigate this September incident thoroughly and keep both the complainant and the force informed.”
