Man arrested over attempted murder amid reports of an attack with a chainsaw

A man has been taken to hospital after being brutally attacked by what is believed to have been a chainsaw in an attempted murder.

A man has been taken to hospital after being brutally attacked by what is believed to have been a chainsaw in an attempted murder.

The 35-year-old is currently being treated for serious injuries following the incident, which happened in Rowan Place, Blackburn, last night.

Officers are hunting a 23-year-old man in connection with the targeted attack.

Residents reported a heavy police presence in the area, including a helicopter that was seen circulating above the town into the early hours of this morning.

Pictures of the scene taken this morning show a property with a smashed window cordoned off and blood is still on the road where the savage attack happened.

Several witnesses have posted on social media describing the attempted murder as a "chainsaw attack."

In a Blackburn community Facebook group residents have reported the victim is in hospital after his arm was cut open and officers are "looking for the guy with the chainsaw" in the area.

The 35-year-old is currently being treated for serious injuries following the incident, which happened in Rowan Place, Blackburn, last night.

A post read: "The guy who was attacked with the chainsaw is okay. His arm wasn't completely severed. The main thing is he's still alive."

One witness posted on twitter: "I had just shut my eyes to into what I felt like was going to be a class sleep when about 50 police go past since someone has used a chainsaw and chopped another mans arm off."

A message sent into Edinburgh Evening News shows a photo of the alleged victim with a massive gash in his arm from what is believed to have been a chainsaw.

DCI Bryan Burns, from Dalkeith CID, 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.

“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.”