Police are today appealing for witnesses to an attack in a Bradford street, in which the victim suffered cuts to his hands and arm as he tried to fend off a knifeman.

The 51-year-old victim was walking in Oak Lane, Manningham, Bradford, last night when he was approached by the suspect, who asked for the time.

The attacker, who had walked from Manningham Lane, opened the weapon’s blade and swung it towards the victim, who put up his hands to defend himself.

He fled to a nearby shop for safety, pursued by the knifeman.

A member of the public in the shop alerted police, who arrested an 18-year-old man nearby. A knife was recovered.

The victim was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary, where he was treated for cuts and lacerations. He is in a stable condition today.

The suspect was released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detectives are trying to establish exactly what happened and what the motive may have been.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened at 6.45pm yesterday, is asked to contact Bradford South CID on 0845 6060606.