Teen arrested after man slashed with machete near West Bromwich shopping centre

Emergency services were called to New Square, in West Bromwich, at around 4.30pm yesterday to reports of man being attacked with a machete.

The 25-year-old victim was taken to hospital with a slash wound to his leg.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with possession of a weapon. He will appear at Wolverhampton Youth Court.

A further suspect is outstanding, a police spokesman said.

West Midlands Police has launched an investigation into the attack and is calling for any witnesses to contact them.

A spokesman for the force said: "We are investigating after a man was attacked with a machete in New Square, West Bromwich at around 4.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.

"The 25-year-old was taken to hospital with a slash wound to his leg which thankfully is not believed to be serious.

"A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged for possession of a weapon. He was bailed to appear at Wolverhampton Youth Court on October 14.

"A further male is outstanding.

"Officers remained in the area and enquiries are continuing to establish what happened."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: "We were called at 4.36pm on Tuesday to reports of a stabbing in New Square, West Bromwich. An ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

"A man was being cared for by an off duty paramedic when crews arrived. The man sustained relatively minor injuries which were treated on scene before he was left in the care of a relative."

Any witnesses are urged to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting incident number 3482 of September 29. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.