Street attack and shop arson linked, say police

Two men have appeared in court charged with affray and possession of a bladed article after a man was attacked in the street.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries after being attacked in Millfield, Peterborough on Tuesday.

On Thursday morning, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Services and police officers responded to a fire on Gladstone Street, which they believe was started deliberately after petrol was poured over a shop door.

No-one was injured in the arson attack but it is believed to be linked to the street attack, Cambridgeshire Police said.

A 27-year-old man from Peterborough has appeared at Huntingdon Magistrates' Court charged with affray, robbery, threatening a person with a bladed article, possession of bladed article, grievously bodily harm (GBH) and false imprisonment.

An 18-year-old man also from Peterborough appeared at the same court charged with affray, robbery, threatening a person with a bladed article, possession of a bladed article, false imprisonment and GBH.

Anyone with any information regarding the deliberate fire has been asked to contact the police.

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