Five held for chopping attack in Penal

Police arrested five men, including a father and son, in connection with a chopping attack in Penal on April 9 which has left a 24-year-old gardener unable to use his right hand.

Two of the men are also expected to be questioned by investigators regarding a recent suspected arson attack at a house in the district.

Police detained four on Saturday at their homes in Scotts Road in Penal and the fifth on Sunday at a house in South Oropouche where he went into hiding, a report said.

The report said Boysie Russell, 24, who lives at Morne Diablo, Penal, had been hospitalised four times after the incident. He was last discharged from the San Fernando General Hospital about two weeks ago.

The victim reported to police that he was riding a bike on his way to a parlour at Scotts Road where a group of men beat and chopped him after they accused him of using obscene language.

A passerby found the wounded man on the road and dropped him off by a female relative, who took him to the hospital.

PC Jaggersar and other police from the CID are investigating. If charged, the men will face a Siparia magistrate.