A Cambridgeshire man's attempt to purchase a family car through Facebook Marketplace turned into a nightmare when he was brutally attacked in what police believe was a premeditated ambush.
The 36-year-old father, who wishes to remain anonymous, responded to what appeared to be a legitimate advertisement for a Volkswagen Golf. After arranging to meet the seller in a seemingly safe location, he found himself facing multiple assailants in a violent confrontation that left him with significant injuries.
The Trap Springs Shut
"It all happened so quickly," the victim recounted. "I went there expecting to look at a car, and suddenly I was surrounded by several men. They were aggressive from the start, and before I knew it, I was being attacked."
The incident occurred in Cambridgeshire, though specific location details have been withheld by authorities to protect the investigation. The victim managed to escape and alert police, but not before sustaining injuries that required medical attention.
Police Issue Urgent Safety Warning
Cambridgeshire Police have launched a full investigation into the violent incident and are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when using online marketplace platforms.
A police spokesperson stated: "We're treating this as a serious, premeditated attack. The offenders used the platform to lure their victim under false pretences. We strongly advise anyone arranging to meet strangers for online transactions to choose safe, public locations and consider bringing someone with them."
Facebook's Response and Growing Concerns
Facebook Marketplace has become increasingly popular for local transactions, but this incident highlights the potential dangers that users may face. A Meta spokesperson responded: "We don't tolerate this kind of behaviour on our platforms. We're assisting police with their investigation and encourage users to report any suspicious activity immediately."
Safety experts recommend the following precautions for online marketplace transactions:
- Always meet in well-lit, public areas with CCTV coverage
- Bring a friend or family member to transactions
- Verify the seller's profile and history thoroughly
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, walk away
- Consider using designated safe trading spaces at police stations
The investigation continues as police work to identify and apprehend those responsible for this disturbing attack.
