Police manhunt for chainsaw attacker after victim’s arm ‘partially severed’

Officers searching for 23-year-old man following attempted murder

Police were called to Rowan Place shortly after 10pm following reports of a targeted attack (Google street view)

Police are hunting for a “man with a chainsaw” following an attempted murder in Scotland.

One man was reportedly left with his arm partially “severed” while another suffered minor injuries during the alleged attack in Blackburn, West Lothian, on Wednesday night.

Police were called to Rowan Place shortly after 10pm following reports of a targeted attack.

A 35-year-old man with serious injuries was rushed to hospital in Livingston, where he continues to receive treatment.

Another man, 37, was also hurt in the attack, but police say his injuries were minor.

A community page urged people to “stay inside and lock all doors” shortly after the incident.

It later added in an update: “The guy who was attacked with the chainsaw is okay.

“The arm wasn’t completely severed . The main thing is he’s alive.”

Officers continue to hunt for a 23-year-old man believed to have been involved in the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.10pm on Wednesday 6 May 2020 police were called to the Rowan Place area of Blackburn, following the attempted murder of a 35-year-old man.

“He was taken by ambulance to St John’s Hospital in Livingston, where he is being treated for serious injuries. A 37-year-old man also received minor injuries.”

DCI Bryan Burns, from Dalkeith CID, added: “Local officers and a number of specialist resources remain in the area and extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace a 23-year-old man in connection with this incident.

“This was a targeted attack and there is not believed to be a threat to the wider community.

“Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 4547 of 6 May.”