Teenager, 18, has hand ‘completely severed’ and left ‘lying in road’ after horrific MACHETE attack – as police hunt ‘gang’ who fled scene
- An 18-year-old man had his hand severed in a machete attack in Leeds last night
- The victim is being treated in hospital and his condition is not life-threatening
- West Yorkshire Police are now appealing for any information on the attack
A teenager’s hand was ‘completely severed’ in an attack with a machete by a gang in Leeds.
The 18-year-old is receiving treatment in hospital after the attack at 9.31pm on Tuesday, West Yorkshire Police said.
A spokesman said that the victim’s condition is not life-threatening and that officers are appealing for information on the attack.
Residents in Swarcliffe say the 18-year-old was approached by a gang who ‘came up and chopped his whole hand off’ at around 9.30pm yesterday.
A teenager’s hand was ‘completely severed’ in an attack with a machete in Leeds last night. Officers found the victim after receiving a call at 9.31pm and he is currently being treated in hospital. Pictured: Officers searching the scene in Leeds this morning
A cordon is still in place in Swarcliffe with officers searching the area for the machete used in the horrific attack
Officers were called out to Stanks Parade, Swarcliffe, last night where they found the victim, whose hand had been ‘completely severed’, being treated by neighbours who had tied a belt around his wrist and attempted to bandage his severed hand which was seen lying in the middle of the road.
A cordon is still in place in Swarcliffe with officers searching the area for the machete used in the horrific attack.
The spokesperson also said that the victim had been take to hospital where he is currently being treated.
Detective Inspector Guy Shackleton, of Leeds District CID, said: ‘We are treating this incident very seriously and are carrying out a detailed and comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances and identify those responsible.
‘We recognise that an incident such as this will cause understandable concern in the community and we are liaising closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are updating their community representatives and maintaining a visible presence in the area to reassure people.’
One neighbour who witnessed the attack said: ‘I have never known anything like it’ and described it as ‘horrific’.
Officers were called out to Stanks Parade, Swarcliffe, last night where they found the victim, whose hand had been ‘completely severed’, being treated by neighbours who had tied a belt around his wrist and attempted to bandage his severed hand which was seen lying in the middle of the road
A spokesman said that the victim’s condition is not life-threatening and that officers are appealing for information on the attack. Pictured: Officers seen at the location of the machete attack last night
While another resident said that the victim could be heard ‘screaming in pain’.
One witness also said the victim was able to make a cruel joke about life without his missing appendage following the attack.
He said: ‘He was obviously screaming in pain – which we all heard. I mean, the lad had his arm chopped off.
‘He was in good spirits – he shouted out: “For God sake, how am I going to be able to w**k now?!”‘
Police said a large scene will remain in place around Stanks Parade while forensic examination and specialist searches take place.
Anyone who saw any of the incident or who has any information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID on 101 quoting crime reference number 13210182460.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.