Search for weapon used in Roker Avenue attack continues as police ask for public's help to find machete

Officers are now appealing for the public’s help to find a machete believed to have been used in the attack which resulted in a 23-year-old victim being taken to hospital with serious injuries to his hand.

It was reported that a man had been walking down Roker Avenue, Sunderland, when he became involved in a verbal altercation with two other men, who were inside an address, at around 6.30pm on Thursday, April 8.

The offenders then stepped outside the address and approached the 23-year-old victim and assaulted him, before fleeing the scene.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to hospital with an injury to his hand consistent with having been caused by a machete.

An investigation was launched immediately after the incident and a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

A second man, also aged 33, who was inside the address concerned then climbed on to the roof of the building in a bid to evade capture. He was brought to safety and also detained.

Both men remain in police custody at this time.

Detectives are now asking the public for help in the ongoing search for the weapon believed to have been involved – which could have been discarded in a back lane or nearby garden.

Detective Sergeant Dave Green, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was clearly a serious incident that has left the victim with serious hand injuries.

“We have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries throughout the course of the day and are currently speaking to two suspects in connection with the attack.

“Today, I am asking for anyone who lives in that area to come forward if they come across a machete that has perhaps been discarded in a back lane or in a nearby garden.

“If you find something, please give us a call as soon as possible. Equally, if you witnessed the incident and have yet to come forward, get in touch and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 859 080421.

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