UPDATE: In a shocking verdict, four individuals have been found guilty in connection with the brutal machete attack on a 17-year-old boy in Hemlington, leaving him fighting for his life. The harrowing incident occurred in the early hours of April 30, 2023, and was marked by a relentless pursuit that resulted in the victim suffering 16 machete wounds.
After a 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 (GBH). Ebony Watt, an 18-year-old, was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice.
The victim arrived in Hemlington shortly after 2:30 AM, on April 29, when he was tracked down by his attackers. Communication between Boyd and Watt began at 11:20 PM, leading to a targeted chase that unfolded just after midnight. The four assailants pursued the teenager on bicycles and an electric scooter, ultimately cornering him and inflicting life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses reported hearing the victim’s desperate cries for help, prompting nearby residents to intervene. Despite his severe injuries, he managed to crawl to a nearby road, where local residents provided immediate assistance until emergency services arrived.
Authorities revealed that the attackers fled the scene and began frantically communicating via mobile phones. They attempted to dispose of the machete, with Azhar hiding it in Watt’s garden shortly after the attack. Text messages from Bradley indicated a panic, with mentions of “police drones” and fears of going to jail.
A manhunt was launched by the Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), leading to the arrests of Boyd and Azhar on May 20, followed by Bradley on May 24, and Keenan on June 9. All four were charged with attempted murder and have been held on remand.
Trainee Detective Inspector Neil Coverdale stated, “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.” He emphasized the importance of the swift actions of local residents and emergency services, which likely saved the victim’s life.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this violent attack, the four convicted will face sentencing at Teesside Crown Court on February 27, 2026.
Authorities urge anyone with information about knife crime to report it by calling 101 or visiting their website, and remind the public to dial 999 in emergencies.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing communities and the critical need for vigilance against knife crime.
