Man attacks a motorist with an axe after late-night argument in Bury, Greater Manchester

An argument between two drivers on Wash Lane in Bury ended when the victim was wounded in the arm with an axe

Wash Lane in Bury, Greater Manchester, where the axe attack took place (Google Maps)

A driver who allegedly launched an axe attack on another motorist in Bury, Greater Manchester, is being searched for by police.

The Manchester Evening News reported that the incident happened at 12:30am on Saturday morning, as a 35-year old man drove his friends down Wash Lane, just outside the town centre.

The car in front of them, a Volkswagen, then stopped suddenly, causing the man to slam on his brakes.

Both parties got out of their cars, and the victim realised that the Volkswagen driver was carrying an axe.

An argument ensued, and the axe-wielding man began hitting the victim's car with his weapon, before turning the axe of the other driver and hitting him in the arm.

The axe-wielding man, described as white, in his mid-to-late twenties, of slim build and wearing a grey top, then got back into his car and fled. The victim was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Detective Constable Keith Holt of Bury Division said: "To attacks someone with an axe is horrific and I am appalled by the level of violence used."

"Fortunately the man's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening but he was taken to hospital and this must have been terrifying for him and his friends in the car."

Police said there was a passenger in the Volkswagen, a long-haired white woman in her twenties. They would like to speak to her as a witness.

He urged any witnesses, or people who recognise the description of the man, to contact the Greater Manchester Police's Bury Division as soon as possible on 0161 856 8181, or to contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.