Police investigating after man attacked by machete-wielding stranger at Cherry Street Sports Club in Ballina

Police are on the hunt for a machete-wielding assailant who hacked a man at a northern NSW sports club, leaving the victim suffering serious injuries. Here’s what we know.

Police are investigating the club attack. File image.

Police are on the hunt for a machete-wielding assailant who slashed a man at a Ballina sports club, leaving the victim suffering serious injuries.

A manager of Cherry Street Sports Club at Ballina said the attack happened outside the venue and the victim approached reception for help, suffering grisly injuries.

Emergency services were called to the club on Cherry St following reports of the assault involving the bladed weapon about 6.15pm on Sunday.

Inside the club. File image.

Richmond Police District officers attended and were told a 58-year-old man had allegedly been attacked by an unknown man, who fled the club.

“The 58-year-old man was taken to Ballina Hospital and treated for a serious injury to his left arm,” NSW Police stated.

Police set up a crime scene and launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The manager, who asked not to be named, said: “Thankfully, no one was in the club with a machete.”

Police say the victim did not know the attacker. Picture: iStock

He said the offender, who he believed was known to police, was riding past on a bike when he and the victim entered into an “altercation”, before the machete was produced and the victim was attacked.

“The only way we actually knew about it was the guy who received the cut attended reception for first aid,” the manager said.

Club staff organised first aid and helped the man get to hospital.

The manager said no one else was at risk during the incident.

CCTV footage captured the horrific attack and police have obtained the footage.

Police have been asked for any images of the alleged assailant.

Inquiries into the attack were ongoing late on Monday morning.

Do you have more information? Phone police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.