Man attacked Victim with Axe & set Dogs on Him

Umran Araf, aged 37, of Peterborough, was jailed for eight years after he attacked a man with an axe before setting his two dogs on the victim.

Peterborough Crown Court heard that the victim had visited Araf at his home on the afternoon of June 18, 2020, to collect a cheque for some compensation he had been awarded.

The victim sat on a sofa and Araf seemed to be calm.

However, Araf then went to get a drink. He returned with an axe and proceeded to attack the man.

Araf struck the victim with the axe twice across the head, causing a cut to the top of his head and above his left eye. The man was struck again on the elbow.

The victim tried to flee but the two dogs in the house also attacked him. The dogs bit him on the waist as he escaped via the front door.

He ran down the street screaming for help while he was chased by Araf, who was still wielding the axe, and the two dogs.

Two members of the public called the police and Araf stopped chasing, retrieved his two dogs and returned to his house.

The man collapsed in the street and was supported by members of the public who called paramedics.

Araf was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder later that afternoon.

Police recovered the axe while the victim was taken to Peterborough City Hospital. He suffered multiple cuts to his forehead, left leg and right arm. He also suffered puncture wounds to his abdomen as a result of the dog bites.

Araf answered “no comment” to all questions during the police interview. He was later charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Araf denied the charges and stood trial where he was found guilty of both charges.

DC Colin Avis said: “This was a horrific and nightmarish assault.

“I have no doubt the victim seriously feared for his life as he was attacked with an axe, had dogs set on him and was chased down the street.

“This attack took place in broad daylight in a residential area close to a primary school and at the time many pupils and parents were walking home.

“It could have so easily proved fatal and this case shows why we take possessing an offensive weapon so seriously.”

“I would like to thank those who came to the man’s aid when he needed it most after collapsing in the street.”

On January 4, 2021, Araf was jailed for eight years.