Teenager’s hand chopped off in machete attack in Leeds

Officers appeal for information as 18-year-old receives treatment in hospital

The attack took place in the Swarcliffe area of Leeds (Google Street View)

A teenager’s hand has been chopped off by an attacker armed with a machete in Leeds, police have said.

West Yorkshire Police were called to an incident in the Swarcliffe area of the city just after 9.30pm on Tuesday night. They found an 18-year-old man whose hand had been “completely severed”.

Officers said on Wednesday that the teenager had been receiving treatment in hospital but his condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

A wide police cordon in place at the scene as forensics officers search the area and detectives investigate the attack.

“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,” said Detective Inspector Guy Shackleton.

“The victim has suffered an extremely serious injury and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

“We have already spoken to a number of witnesses but would still like to hear from anyone who saw any part of the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation.”

Mr Shackleton added that anyone who feels unable to contact the police should use the anonymous Crimestoppers service to give information.

A local resident told Leeds Live on Wednesday that the incident was “like something off of a horror film”.

“We heard it from where we are round the corner - there was a load of shouting,” the resident, who gave their name as Victoria, said.

“When we came out, we could hear a lad writhing in pain. His hand was on the road. I have never seen anything like it, it was like something off of a horror film.”

Another resident who lives near where the attack took place said the teenager’s hand was “cleanly cut off by a huge machete”.

“I have not been able to sleep - it was awful. He shouted for help, he said he was going to die,” they said.

“We came out to help him and others did too.”

Police have asked anyone with information which could assist the investigation to contact Leeds District CID on 101, quoting the reference number 13210182460, or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.

Anyone with information on the incident can also do so anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.