Four teenagers jailed for 'horrific' Hemlington machete attack

Four young men have been sentenced to prison following a brutal machete attack on a teenage boy, who was stabbed 16 times and left severely injured. The incident took place in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, during the early morning hours of 30 April 2025. The attackers—Tyler Bradley, Wayne Boyd, Leon Keenan, and Kaya Azhar—chased the victim as he desperately tried to escape their assault.

CCTV footage captured the victim’s attempts to flee by jumping over garden fences and balconies, highlighting the desperate nature of his escape. Despite sustaining grave injuries, the 17-year-old managed to drag himself over a fence and reach Hemlington Hall Road, where concerned residents heard his cries and rushed to assist. These bystanders intervened by shouting at the attackers to stop and providing first aid until emergency services arrived.

At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Francis Laird described the attack as “a truly horrific and brutal attack on a defenseless boy” and remarked that the victim was fortunate to survive. Detectives praised the prompt reaction of the local residents, saying their “quick actions” gave the young boy the best chance of survival. The teen is still recovering from the serious wounds he suffered during the assault.

Regarding sentencing outcomes, Tyler Bradley, age 18, was given a 14-year prison term, while 19-year-old Wayne Boyd received a 13-year sentence; both were convicted of attempted murder last December. Leon Keenan, 18, and Kaya Azhar, 18, were found guilty of grievous bodily harm and sentenced to four years and four months, and four years in prison, respectively. Detective Sergeant Andy Hamilton commented on the severity of the attack, stating, “These men had one thing on their minds when they hunted down and pursued the 17-year-old boy, and that was to use such force and violence that would inflict horrific injuries upon him. Immediately after their attack they fled the area, leaving him in the street fighting for his life.

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More