Detectives investigating two doorstep machete attacks which left three people injured - including a toddler - are hunting a suspect who was seen near to both addresses.

Officers were called to Hales Lane, Smethwick, at around 6.30pm on December 6 following reports that a 19-year-old man had been found with serious injuries.

A short time later, at around 7.35pm, a 35-year-old woman and her two-year-old son were attacked at a house in Penley Grove, Washwood Heath.

Both taken to hospital where the woman was treated for serious injuries and the child for minor injuries.

A major investigation was launched and a 35-year-old man and 40-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

They were later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The scene in Penley Grove in Washwood Heath this afternoon.
The scene in Penley Grove in Washwood Heath this afternoon.

Officers have stepped up their search to find a man described as mixed race, between 5ft 8” and 5ft 11” tall and believed to be in his thirties. He was seen in the area at the time of both attacks.

West Midlands Police , which said yesterday there was no risk to the wider public, are appealing for help from both communities to track down the attacker.

Detectives are also urging anyone who is too afraid to come forward to leave information anonymously via Crimestoppers.

The scene in Penley Grove in Washwood Heath this afternoon.
The scene in Penley Grove in Washwood Heath this afternoon.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Chisholm, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “All the victims are still receiving care for their injuries and we are working closely with them to establish the circumstances that led to these horrendous attacks.

“I am convinced that someone in the community will know who did this and I am appealing to them to search their conscience and do the right thing and come forward with information.

“The bottom line is that someone has attacked a mother and her small child with a bladed weapon, they have also left a young man seriously injured. Both attacks happened on the victims doorsteps, whatever affiliations people may have in the community, someone knows who did this, and they need to be stopped.

“We have officers out searching for the suspects and continue to make enquires including house to house and we are conducting and in-depth CCTV trawl to find any clues.

“I need anyone with information to call me or one of my team on 101.

“If people are afraid to come forward then they can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.”