The Lancashire town of Nelson saw two separate violent incidents in less than a day this week, with police launching investigations into both a machete chase and a bottle attack that left a teenager injured.
The first incident happened on Tuesday evening, June 16, when armed police were called to the Leeds Road area of Nelson at around 9.30 pm. Multiple members of the public phoned in reports of a man being chased through the streets by another man carrying a large blade.
Officers, including armed units, arrived quickly and began their enquiries. Shortly after, ambulance crews confirmed they were treating the man who had been chased. He had suffered injuries to his head along with a cut to his ear. Police said his injuries were not believed to be life threatening.
A cordon was set up on nearby Fleet Street and remained in place into the following morning while officers worked the scene. Extra patrols were sent into the area overnight so residents could raise any concerns directly with the police.
As of Wednesday, no arrests had been made, and the investigation was continuing. A force spokesperson said officers were keeping the community updated and welcomed anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone who witnessed the chase or has relevant details has been asked to call 101 and reference log 1588 from June 16, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
Teenager Hurt in Bottle Attack on Hollins Road
Less than a day later, police were called out again, this time to Hollins Road in Nelson. The call came in just after 1 pm on Wednesday, June 17, when North West Ambulance Service contacted officers to report that a teenage boy had suffered a cut to his chest.
Investigators believe the injury was caused by a glass bottle. The teenager was taken to the hospital for treatment following the attack.
Residents in the area reported seeing a heavy police presence nearby, including around a local school, which prompted some schools in Nelson to briefly move into lockdown as a precaution while officers worked to establish what had happened.
A police spokesperson said the investigation was still in its early stages and that officers were working to piece together exactly how the teenager came to be hurt.
They added that no one had been arrested at the time of the statement, though several officers remained in the area carrying out enquiries.
Police said they were keeping an open mind about the circumstances surrounding the attack and urged residents with information or relevant concerns to approach officers directly.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has mobile phone footage that could assist the investigation has been asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 0726 from June 17.
A Town on Edge
Coming within hours of each other, the two incidents have unsettled parts of Nelson, with residents reporting a noticeably larger police presence across the town through Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
Lancashire Constabulary has not suggested any link between the two cases, and each is being investigated separately.
Both investigations remain ongoing, and police have stressed that anyone with information, however small it may seem, should come forward.
No arrests have been made in either case so far, and officers continue to carry out house-to-house enquiries and review CCTV and mobile phone footage from the surrounding areas.
Residents are being reminded that extra patrols will continue in Nelson in the coming days to provide reassurance, and that anyone who feels unsafe or has concerns can speak to officers on patrol or call 101 to report information related to either incident.
