Severed leg found on roadside after alleged workplace incident spilled into Aussie suburb
A 25-year-old man is in custody and another is fighting for his life in hospital after an alleged workplace spat turned sour on Monday.
A man is clinging to life in hospital after losing the lower half of one of his legs during an alleged worksite altercation that quickly descended into chaos.
Police say the alleged incident took place in the seaside suburb of City Beach in Perth on Monday morning, between two men aged 29 and 25.
The older man is believed to have run from the construction site where the pair were working following a disagreement, before the younger man allegedly chased after him in his ute. Police have accused the 25-year-old of then running down the 29-year-old and allegedly attacking him with a hammer.
Police describe 'harrowing' scenes officers found on arrival
Speaking to media on Monday, Superintendent Manus Walsh said the victim sustained "significant injuries" in the violent altercation.
"It is possible the victim was struck by the vehicle, and a secondary assault has then occurred by the offender with the use of a hammer," Manus said in a press conference.
"During the incident, the victim has sustained significant injuries to his leg.
"The victim has a severed leg, the lower part of his leg. He’s also received some injuries which we believe have been caused by the use of the hammer."
Police confirmed on Tuesday morning the younger male has been charged with 'attempt to unlawfully kill' and is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court today.
Manus described the scenes as "harrowing", saying it would have left first responders deeply shocked.
"This would be a harrowing incident for anyone to observe whether they be trained police officers, whether they be members of the public," he said.
"It was very lucky, very lucky that an off-duty doctor was there and a member of the public … and they stayed with them until St John’s arrived and then they were taken to the hospital.
"We are very, very thankful for the off-duty doctor and the member of the public, who assisted in helping this victim to maintain his life and seek medical assistance."
Images taken at the scene appear to show multiple police officers scouring the shallow water and the shoreline in wetsuits, believed to be searching for the alleged weapon.
Large blood spatters and strewn-out clothes were also seen along the road where the incident is alleged to have occurred.
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