A man has been left fighting for his life in hospital after being attacked with a machete in central London.
Emergency services raced to the scene in Oxford Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day, where the 25-year-old had suffered what paramedics described as a catastrophic bleed. He was rushed to a trauma centre, with efforts still ongoing to locate his attacker.
The area, which was packed with revellers, descended into chaos after the two men were seen fighting with the large knives. One eyewitness reportedly said: “It was terrifying, people were screaming and running. The area was swarming with police and paramedics within minutes.”
The victim was rushed to a trauma centre for treatment.
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
A Met Police spokesperson told The Mirror: “At 04:04hrs on Wednesday, 1 January police were called to Oxford Street, just outside Bond Street Underground Station, following reports of men armed with knives. Officers attended and at the junction of Oxford Street and South Malton Street they found a 25-year-old man with a stab wound.
“He has been taken to hospital and we await an update on his condition. An investigation is underway and a crime scene remains in place. At this early stage there have been no arrests. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, providing the reference 2175/01JAN. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
A crime scene has been established in the area, with Bond Street Underground station closed as officers begin their forensic examinations. Police are appealing for anyone with information, mobile phone footage, or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward to help the investigation.
The horror incident came as around 100,000 people had gathered in Central London to watch the fireworks display to bring in the New Year, after the weather defied concerns. Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, described it as the “biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe”.
He added: “It’s fantastic to welcome 2025 with our biggest and best-ever New Year’s Eve celebrations. From honouring the heroes of the D-Day landings to Paddington Bear celebrating our capital’s diversity, I’m proud that we sent a message of hope and love to the world, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.