A VICIOUS 'machete' attack by masked thugs may have left the victim with life-changing injuries, the Worcester News has been told.

Police yesterday said they have arrested a 30-year-old man following the attack in Wylds Lane, Worcester, near two primary schools, at the weekend.

Members of the Asian community told the Worcester News that balaclava-clad men got out of two cars armed with knives and machetes to carry out the attack.

One source said the victim may have lost fingers in the attack but another source described the wound as a deep gash to the back of the hand.

Police have declined to provide details of the 22-year-old’s injuries other than to say they are ‘substantial’ and include defensive wounds to the hands.

A 30-year-old from Sparkhill, Birmingham, has been arrested following the attack and remains in police custody.

West Mercia Police has yet to confirm what the man was arrested for despite requests by the Worcester News.

Police confirmed the attack happened near St John’s Ambulance in Wylds Lane, just yards away from two schools – Fort Royal Community Primary and Newbridge Short Stay School.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall said: “I would like to thank the Worcester community for helping us with our investigation into an incident that took place in Wylds Lane in Worcester over the weekend.

“A 22-year-old man sustained potentially life changing injuries and he is currently in a stable condition in hospital.

“I would like to reassure the community that we have made an arrest of a 30-year-old man, who remains in custody at this time. We continue to actively seek individuals to help us with our enquiries relating to this incident.”

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Allah Ditta, has appealed for calm and has urged those who have information to make it known to police in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.

A source from within the Wyld’s Lane community said: “The lad who was severely hurt lived in St Peter’s and used to live in Victoria Avenue (near Wylds Lane) five or six years ago.”

The source reported that ‘several weapons’ were used in the attack, that the victim had slipped and fallen before the assault took place, describing it as the result of a ‘family dispute’ between two or three families.

He understands that the victim lost four fingers in the attack but this has not been confirmed by police.

Another source, who also declined to be named, said: “They had machetes and knives. On Friday night different lads were attacked and a car was smashed up.”

He said the man who was attacked was ‘an innocent law student’ and had no part in the dispute.

“They wanted to put their mark down, to say ‘we’re gangsters, we can beat everyone up’,” he said.

Both sources said the attack was linked to drug dealing.

It is understood the victim was taken to A&E in Worcester by friends and then transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. He is currently is a stable condition.

“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said one source.

The assault happened between 11pm on Saturday, November 23 and 1am on Sunday, November 24.

Worcestershire Local Police Commander, Superintendent Damian Pettit said: “The investigation is still ongoing and we currently have a man in custody who is helping us with our enquiries.

“I understand this has had a large impact on people in the area and would like to extend our thanks to the community for assisting with our enquiries. We continue to have an increased presence within the area.”

We have previously reported how Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bailey said: “Whilst we acknowledge that this is a very serious incident I would like to reassure the local community that we are working hard to apprehend the offender(s) responsible for this assault.”

Cllr Ditta urged people to contact the police if they have information.

He said: “Don’t be disheartened if you think the information may not be useful. Let the police be the judge of that. In the bigger picture the information may be quite useful. The police need evidence.”

Those with information can call West Mercia Police on 101 and quote incident number 54s of the 24 November 2019 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.