QUICK-THINKING passers-by stepped in to save a 24-year-old man after he was slashed with a two-feet long weapon in Ely on Sunday morning. The victim was hit on the leg and arm by an attacker who jumped off a moped near the community centre in High Barns.

QUICK-THINKING passers-by stepped in to save a 24-year-old man after he was slashed with a two-feet long weapon in Ely on Sunday morning.

The victim was hit on the leg and arm by an attacker who jumped off a moped near the community centre in High Barns. As he lay bleeding, passers-by rushed to his rescue and his attacker fled.

The injured man was taken to Cambridge's Addenbrooke's Hospital where he received stitches to a slash on his arm.

Fortunately the attack to his leg slashed open his trousers but failed to penetrate the skin.

"It could have been a lot worse but for the fact that members of the public stepped in" said police detective sergeant Tim Underhill.

The incident happened between 1.50am and 2.20am when a man, believed to be riding pillion on a moped, jumped off the bike and slashed the victim with the weapon.

"The first time he hit him in the leg," said Ds Underhill, "but only ripped his trousers. The second time he hit him in the arm and he needed stitches to his injury."

Anyone with any information should contact Ds Underhill on 0845 456 4564 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.