Man loses leg after alleged tradie stoush in Perth

A 29-year-old man has lost his lower leg and is fighting for life after a spat at a building site in Perth escalated into a horrifying hammer attack, police say.

A man has been left without a lower leg — and fighting for his life in hospital — after police say a spat on a construction site escalated into a horrific car collision and hammer attack in a leafy suburb of Perth.

WA Police have one man in custody, and another in hospital, following the bizarre and bloody incident in City Beach which erupted at 11.20am on Monday morning.

Superintendent Manus Walsh said police believe that after a verbal altercation, a 29-year-old man ran from the area and was chased by another man driving a silver BT-50 ute, Perth Now reports.

“It is possible the victim was struck by the vehicle, and a secondary assault has then occurred by the offender with the use of a hammer,” Superintendent Manus said.

“During the incident, the victim has sustained significant injuries to his leg.

A man has his lower leg following a spat at a building site in WA. (9News)

“The victim has a severed leg, the lower part of his leg. He’s also received some injuries which we believe have been caused by the use of the hammer.”

Police revealed that witnesses at the scene — including an off-duty doctor — came to the man’s aid immediately, which included placing a tourniquet around his severed lower leg.

Without that help, the victim may not have survived, police said.

“We are very, very thankful for the off-duty doctor and the member of the public, who assisted in helping this victim to maintain his life and seek medical assistance,” Superintendent Manus said.

Police at the scene of the incident. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

A 25-year-old man is in custody.

But police are still seeking witnesses to the incident — and the hammer they believe may have been used in the attack.

Police divers at the beach across the road from the attack. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian

Police were later seen at the beach dressed in wetsuits at Floreat beach preparing to enter the ocean.

The victim was in critical condition at Royal Perth Hospital on Monday afternoon. Police are yet to speak to him.

Large blood spatters and strewn-out clothes can seen along the road, as detectives surveil the beachside surrounds. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

“This would be a harrowing incident for anyone to observe whether they be trained police officers, whether they be members of the public,” Superintendent Manus said.

“It was very lucky, very lucky that an off-duty doctor was there and a member of the public … and they stayed with them until St John’s arrived and then they were taken to the hospital.”

“What I can say … is that within 14 minutes of the call being reported to police, we had an (alleged) offender in custody.”

“It was very lucky, very lucky that an off-duty doctor was there and a member of the public … and they stayed with them until St John’s arrived and then they were taken to the hospital.”

“What I can say … is that within 14 minutes of the call being reported to police, we had an (alleged) offender in custody.”

Police at the scene of the attack. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

West Coast Highway is closed between Hale Road and The Boulevard and traffic is heavy in the area.

Large blood spatters and strewn-out clothes can seen along the road, as detectives comb the beachside surrounds.

Anyone with any information, or vision, relating to this incident, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

This story was first published in Perth Now and has been reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Man loses leg after alleged tradie stoush in Perth