A MAN was slashed in the neck during an unprovoked Bonfire Night attack.

He was watching the bonfire in Grampian Way, Winsford, with his girlfriend and another couple when they were approached by two or three unknown assailants.

The strangers launched a furious attack on the two couples, hacking at them with what was believed to be a scythe.

All four received slash wounds and were taken to Leighton Hospital. Two of the victims were kept in, one suffering deep cuts to his neck, the other with slashes to his leg.

Both were released, but the man with leg injuries was re-admitted because of an infection to the wound.

Residents who live close to where the incident took place say the man who received neck injuries was fortunate not to be decapitated.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: 'He really hacked at him with the scythe - he could have chopped his head off, it was a really serious attack.

'They really went for them, he could easily have been killed.'

A police spokesman said: 'An unprovoked attack was launched on two men and two women who were in their mid to late 20s by two or three unknown men.

'They were assaulted and received lacerations to various parts of their bodies. It is believed they were attacked with a scythe.

'Following the attack, the offenders then ran off towards Mount Pleasant Drive.' He added: 'One of the offenders was a white male, about 23-30 years old, 5ft 8in or 5ft 9in tall and with short, dark spiky hair.

'He was wearing dark jeans and a white T-shirt.'

Residents on the Over Estate, where the attack took place, say the incident is the latest in a series of disturbances which have left them terrified to leave their homes.

One mother said: 'The couple who were attacked haven't been back to their house since, so I think they are probably scared about what will happen now.

'We are all petrified on this estate. My children will not leave the house if someone is not watching them, not even to go across the road to see their nan.

'You don't see any children playing on the streets any more because they are all too scared.'

She added: 'There are still drug dealers and junkies who intimidate everyone on the estate.

'Sometimes they are armed with golf clubs and they smash up the streets, but we can do nothing.'

Sgt Ian Wood, of Winsford police, said: 'We are aware of problems, we are investigating and have identified offenders.'

He added: 'There will be an increased police presence on the Over Estate over the weekend.'

Anyone who has any information about the incident should telephone Det Louise Henson at Northwich CID on 01244 613234, or call the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.