A man was 'scalped' during a horrific machete attack that is thought to have unfolded in the car park of a gym.
Gruesome photos of the scene show the man's scalp in the road after he was attacked by three men in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester.
One of the assailants was armed with a machete when the incident unfolded at about 7.15pm on Wednesday.
The victim underwent surgery in hospital after he suffered serious injuries to his head, neck and back.
His injuries are not life-threatening, but they "could have been a lot worse", said police.
It is understood that the incident happened in the car park of a gym, Active iTRAIN, the Manchester Evening News reports.
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It is understood the man was 'scalped'.
Police were also seen photographing an item of clothing at the scene.
No-one has been arrested.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers were called at around 7.15pm on Wednesday to a report of an assault on Birch Lane, Dukinfield.
"It is believed a man had been assaulted by three other men, one armed with a machete.
"The victim received serious head, neck and back injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance where he underwent surgery.
"His injuries are not believed to be life threatening and enquiries are ongoing."
Inspector David Donlan, of GMP's Tameside district, said: "This was a horrific attack that left a man with serious injuries.
"His injuries are not life-threatening but could have been a lot worse.
"We are appealing for anyone saw anything or may have information to contact us on 0161 856 9262."
People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on on 0800 555 111 or via the Greater Manchester Police website quoting reference 2516 of 28/04/2021.
A member of staff at Active iTRAIN declined to comment.
At about 10.45pm on Tuesday, a balaclava-clad gang with machetes petrol bombed a car in a terrifying arson attack outside a block of flats in Salford, the Manchester Evening News reports.
The window of a property was also damaged in what police suspect was a targeted incident.
One line of inquiry is understood to be a dispute between local gangs.
The Salford incident is not linked to the Dukinfield attack.
