McDonald’s diners “ran for their lives” after a machete-wielding man ‘slashed a customer across the face’ in Sheffield this morning.
The victim, a 47-year-old man, was pictured emerging from the restaurant with a bloodied bandage around his head after he was ‘slashed across the face’.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the attack.
Police said the incident is “not believed to be linked to terrorism”.
Matthew Shaw was in the McDonald’s at the time of the attack and ran into the kitchen for safety when he saw the man with the knife.
“I turned around and there was a man in the doorway shouting with a large machete in his hand and a man staggering in front of him with lots of blood running down his face,” he told BBC News.
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“There was a panic and myself and a few others ran into the kitchen area and through the fire escape at the back. Some locked themselves in the office at the back and the toilets.”
The incident happened at the fast food chain in Sheffield High Street just before 10am today.
The man was apprehended and taken to the floor by officers on the opposite side of the road outside a Computer Exchange store in the busy town centre.
Police were on the scene of the incident within two minutes and blood could be seen on the pavement outside the branch.
Pictures show the foot-long machete on the ground next to the attacker who is being held down and handcuffed by police.
Another image shows the alleged attacker being surround by officers as he remains on the pavement.
Another eyewitness said: “Some bloke with a machete in Sheffield High Street McDonald’s has just been carted off in the riot van.”
Pictures from the scene show a cordon in place on the street with an ambulance and police officers in attendance.
Another eyewitness said the victim was “walking but had a large dressing on his face”.
Buildings in the surrounding area were placed on lockdown during the incident with employees told not to go outside.
A third added: “Lots of shops in Sheffield town centre shut due to a man with a machete but he’s been arrested.”
South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Officers were called to McDonalds on the High Street, Sheffield at 9:26am this morning following reports of a man with a machete.
“A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of a knife or bladed article and possession of drugs. He is currently in custody awaiting interview.
“The incident is not believed to be linked to terrorism.
“A 47-year-old man suffered non-life threatening injuries and has been taken to hospital by ambulance.
“Officers remain at the scene, however the High Street remains open.”
Superintendent Paul McCurry has praised the officers who attended for their bravery.
He said: “The CCTV operatives in Sheffield spotted a man with a machete, as a result they alerted police on the radio and nearby officers were on scene within less than two minutes of the call.
“They quickly detained the offender, placing the safety of the public over their own without hesitation. This is a superb example of the bravery of police officers who every day do amazing work to protect the public.”
Anybody with information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 189 of 31 January 2019.
McDonald’s also released a statement after the incident.
The statement read: “We can confirm that an incident which started outside our Sheffield High Street restaurant this morning resulted in the police being called and the restaurant being closed to allow them to investigate.
“We are supporting our restaurant team.”
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