A lorry driver who sparked a large police investigation after claiming he had been stabbed in a Haddenham lay by, has been cautioned for wasting police time.

The 45-year-old, from Peterborough, called police on the morning of April 1 reporting that he had been stabbed in an unprovoked random attack by a stranger in a lay by in Haddenham.

An investigation was launched to find the knifeman.

However, detectives became suspicious that the injuries were self-inflicted and carried out a number of forensic tests.

The ‘victim’ was interviewed and admitted to having caused the injuries himself.

Last week he was cautioned for ‘causing the wasteful employment of police’, he must also undergo a series of counselling sessions as part of the caution.

Detective Constable Mark Beaven said: “This was a thorough and lengthy investigation which not only involved uniformed and CID officers, but also staff from the ambulance service, hospital and scenes of crime.

“It took up a large amount of time and resources which would have been better used elsewhere.

“Hopefully this will reassure the community that there is not a violent suspect at large in the area and also shows the lengths we go to solve such incidents.”