A man has died after battling off a machete-wielding gang of thieves with his dad as they tried to steal a moped from outside their home.
Ricky Hayden, 27, suffered "life-changing" injuries and reportedly had to have his leg amputated in the brutal early-morning attack by four men in Chadwell Heath, Romford, Essex.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed this morning that the son had died and a murder enquiry has been launched.
The dad and son were woken by a noise and rushed outside, where they interrupted the armed gang as they tried to steal their moped.
Police said the men were carrying "large knives" and left the dad, 46, and son in hospital with a number of lacerations and stab wounds.
They were taken to an east London hospital, where tragic Ricky was pronounced dead in the early hours of this morning.
The dad remains in hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
A man who lives in the street where the horrific attack occurred said he did not witness the incident but was told by police that Ricky's injuries were so severe that his leg was amputated.
The resident said it is understood the dad and son were attacked with machetes by a gang that has been causing trouble in the neighbourhood for weeks.
He was told the dad required plastic surgery after suffering an injury to his arm.
The resident said: "It’s fairly off putting because this gang that people are saying have done it have been roaming around for the last six weeks.”
He said people have become so afraid of the gang they don't want to leave their homes at night.
Another resident said she was told the son suffered a head injury and "lost his leg".
She added: "What we heard was they were trying to steal a moped. It could have been anyone really."
Police said this morning that the group of men ran away from the scene without the moped after the attack, and they are now being sought by police.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Detectives from Barking and Dagenham are investigating and appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the attack to contact 020 3276 1054.
No comments:
Post a Comment