A Trowbridge man was axed in the head, his family has told Wiltshire 999s.
Witnesses reported that the victim was stabbed in a violent attack in the Manor Road area in the early hours of yesterday morning (4 March).
However, the casualty – a 38-year-old local man – is said to have sustained wounds from a different kind of bladed article, an axe.
His family also confirmed that the victim has now home from hospital and recovering from his injury, which was labelled as “significant” by detectives.
Police launched an investigation following the serious assault, with two crimes scenes – one in Manor Road, where the casualty was treated by the ambulance service, and another outside The Ship Inn.
Numerous local residents had suggested that the victim had sustained a stab or knife wound to the head – telling of how there was a large amount of blood left on the pavement.
“He was on the floor and bleeding everywhere”, one witness told Wiltshire 999s.
Adding: “He was definitely stabbed in the head with something but I don’t know what, I’m guessing a knife. The police were searching all the bins and bushes after it.”
Wiltshire Police said it was too early to confirm what caused the man’s injury.
However, the force was able to confirm that the “victim is stable in hospital” and that he did not suffer life-changing or life-threatening wounds.
A crime scene was in place until about midday, allowing forensics to gather important evidence and photograph the area.
In an earlier statement, Wiltshire Police said they believe “this is an isolated incident” and “there are no concerns to the safety of the wider public”.