A MAN was slashed in the face with a knife in a vicious attack on a busy town centre road.

Simon Mitchell, 26, was left soaked in blood after the daylight attack on the A644 Huddersfield Road in Mirfield.

Mr Mitchell fled into the road as he and two or three others tried to escape their attackers.

Police want to talk to passing drivers who may have witnessed the drama.

Mr Mitchell, believed to live in Mirfield, was attacked near to the Railway pub in Huddersfield Road, close to the junction with Doctor Lane, at 8.20pm on Wednesday.

Mr Mitchell was with two or three others when a car screeched to a halt and three men got out and gave chase.

Punches were thrown while the knifeman went for Mr Mitchell in what witnesses said appeared to be a targeted attack.

The Examiner understands Mr Mitchell was slashed several times across the chest, slicing open his clothing.

He was then slashed on both sides of his face and left bleeding profusely.

He also suffered defensive wounds to his hands and arms as he tried to protect himself.

Mr Mitchell collapsed on a grass verge outside the Royd Court sheltered housing complex across the road from the pub.

Two care staff from the complex rushed to help and administered first aid and an ambulance was called.

Mr Mitchell was treated at Dewsbury District Hospital and was yesterday said to be in a “stable” condition.

Another man, aged 39, went to Dewsbury District Hospital half-an-hour later with a puncture wound to his ribs area.

Mirfield businessman Martin Ibberson and wife Sue, a district nurse, stopped to help.

Mr Ibberson, 48, said: “Two staff from Royd Court and another lad were helping him.

“They were using tea towels to stop the bleeding, and he was bleeding quite badly.