UPDATE: A 17-year-old boy is in critical condition after being brutally attacked and stabbed 16 times with a machete by four individuals in Hemlington. On December 3, 2023, following a harrowing two-week trial at Teesside Crown Court, Tyler Bradley and Wayne Boyd were convicted of attempted murder, while Leon Keenan and Kaya Azhar were found guilty of grievous bodily harm.
The vicious attack occurred in the early hours of April 30, 2023, when the victim arrived in Hemlington shortly after 2:30 AM. Reports indicate that he was pursued by the four defendants after communication between Boyd and an accomplice, Ebony Watt, who informed them of the boy’s presence. At approximately 12:15 AM, Boyd, Bradley, and Keenan began their relentless pursuit on bicycles, while Azhar followed on an electric scooter.
Footage shown in court depicted the victim desperately attempting to escape, jumping from balconies and vaulting over fences, but ultimately, he was cornered and attacked. The brutal assault left him with severe injuries, prompting nearby residents to rush to his aid after hearing his cries for help. He managed to crawl onto Hemlington Hall Road where he was assisted by locals before emergency services arrived.
After the attack, the perpetrators frantically communicated to evade capture. They were later apprehended by the Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, with Boyd and Azhar taken into custody on May 20, 2023. Bradley was captured on May 24, while Keenan was arrested on June 9, 2023.
Detective Inspector Neil Coverdale emphasized the horrific nature of the attack, stating, “These men had one thing on their minds when they hunted down and pursued the 17-year-old boy… Their only focus was to avoid police detection.” The evidence presented to the jury was overwhelming, including surveillance footage and testimonies leading to the guilty verdicts.
Watt was also found guilty for attempting to obstruct justice by trying to mislead police. The sentencing for all five individuals is scheduled for February 27, 2026. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to knife crimes, stressing the importance of community vigilance.
This shocking incident highlights the grave issue of youth violence and the urgent need for intervention in communities. The victim’s condition remains critical, and those involved in the attack will face consequences for their actions. The community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this violent event, as residents come together to support the victim’s recovery.
For those in danger or witnessing violence, authorities encourage immediate action: “Always dial 999 in danger.”
