Samurai 'attack' sword found dumped in Brighton (From The Argus)

Samurai 'attack' sword found dumped in Brighton

1:14pm Friday 29th June 2012 in News

A SAMURAI sword believed to have been used in a savage attack has been found dumped.

Police believe it was the weapon which left a man with his ear almost completely severed after an assault in the early hours of June 16 in Madeira Drive, Brighton.

The victim was with a group of friends when he was attacked by a man swinging a sword around in the air.

After striking several blows, the attacker then fled the scene and a passer-by contacted the emergency services.

A few minutes afterwards, officers were flagged down by a taxi driver by St Peter's Church and arrested the 19-year-old passenger from London on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

He has been bailed until August 10 while police investigate the attack.

The injured man was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and released after treatment.

The sword, with a two-foot long blade and a white ornamental handle, was found amongst some builders materials just east of Burger King on the Lower Esplanade.

Police believe it was the weapon used in the vicious attack.

Detective Constable Caroline Biggs from Brighton CID said: "This is a serious incident involving a very distinctive weapon which we believe other people will have seen. If you did witness the incident or have any information, please call us on 101 quoting serial 350 of 16/06. You can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111."