Teenager’s hand cut off in machete attack

A teenager has had his hand severed in a machete attack in West Yorkshire, police have said.

The 18-year-old was attacked on Tuesday night in the Swarcliffe area of Leeds by a gang armed with large blades. Detectives said the victim had undergone emergency surgery.

It is not yet known whether doctors have been able to save and reattach the hand, but police said his condition was not life threatening. It is not clear whether the victim’s hand was chopped off deliberately or whether it occurred as he tried to defend himself.

Police said a detailed forensic examination of the area was continuing.