UPDATE: Four individuals have been convicted following a brutal machete attack in Hemlington that left a 17-year-old boy fighting for his life. The verdicts were delivered on December 3, 2023, after a two-week trial at Teesside Crown Court.
Tyler Bradley and Wayne Boyd were found guilty of attempted murder, while Leon Keenan and Kaya Azhar were convicted of grievous bodily harm. The attack occurred in the early hours of April 30, when the victim was relentlessly pursued and stabbed up to 16 times with a machete.
The horrifying incident began shortly after 2:30 AM when the victim arrived in Hemlington by bus. Communication between Boyd and another individual, Ebony Watt, initiated a deadly chase. At approximately 12:15 AM, Boyd, Bradley, and Keenan mounted a pursuit on bicycles while Azhar followed on an electric scooter. The victim attempted to escape, even jumping from a balcony, but his pursuers caught up with him, leading to a brutal attack that left him with life-threatening injuries.
Residents nearby heard the boy’s desperate cries for help and rushed to his aid. He managed to drag himself onto Hemlington Hall Road, where local residents assisted him until emergency services arrived. The swift response of the community likely saved his life.
Following the assault, the attackers communicated frantically via mobile phones. Azhar was directed to hide the weapon in Watt’s garden. Panic ensued among the group, with Bradley texting about police drones and his impending arrest.
The Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team launched a manhunt for the attackers, leading to the arrest of Boyd and Azhar on May 20, 2023. Bradley was apprehended on May 24, and Keenan was arrested on June 9. All four men were charged with attempted murder and have been held on remand since their capture.
Trainee Detective Inspector Neil Coverdale emphasized the brutality of the assault, stating, “These men had one thing on their minds when they hunted down and pursued the 17-year-old boy: to use such force and violence that would inflict horrific injuries upon him.”
Watt, who was found guilty of perverting the course of justice, attempted to hinder the police investigation but ultimately could not prevent the overwhelming evidence against the group. The jury was presented with crucial footage that documented the attack and the attackers’ distinctive clothing.
All five individuals are set to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on February 27, 2026.
This shocking case highlights the urgent issue of knife crime in the UK. Authorities are urging anyone with information about knife possession to report it by calling 101 or visiting their website. In emergencies, always dial 999.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this violent attack, the victim’s recovery remains a priority, with many hoping for swift justice and a reduction in similar incidents in the future.
