Man injured in ‘unprovoked’ axe attack

A cyclist has suffered cuts to his head and body after he was attacked by a man wielding an axe in Nottinghamshire in what police have called an “unprovoked attack”.

The victim had been cycling in the Bestwood Lodge Drive area with two other cyclists when “a man holding an axe approached him”, and struck him in the head, shoulder and back, said Nottinghamshire Police.

The offender, who police described as a white man in his 40s or 50s, “wearing a red top and black shorts”, fled the scene after carrying out the attack.

The victim was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre at the University of Nottingham for treatment. His injuries are not thought to be life-altering.

Detective Sergeant David Prest, who is leading the investigation, said: “This must have been an incredibly scary and traumatic experience and we are keen to get to the bottom of this incident as quickly as possible.

“We were quickly on the scene and had police dogs searching and the force’s drone up in the air last night to help with the investigation, but we couldn’t find anyone which matched the description.”

Police are appealing for anyone who may have information or who saw anything suspicious in the Bestwood Lodge Drive area at around 8.40pm to come forward.

“We have officers on patrol in the area this morning and will continue to do so throughout the weekend, talking to local residents and offering reassurance,” Detective Prest added.