A man is fighting for his life in hospital after a "terrifying" machete fight in .

Emergency services rushed to Oxford Street in the early hours of New Year's Day where there were chaotic scenes after two men had squared off with the large knives. Onlookers said that there was screaming and people were running away from the area which was packed with revellers at the time.

One man suffered what paramedics described as a catastrophic bleed and was rushed to a trauma centre. Police were quickly on the scene but they have confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, and they are working to locate the attacker.

A told The : “At 04:04hrs on Wednesday, 1 January police were called to Oxford Street, just outside Bond Street Underground Station, following reports of men armed with knives. Officers attended and at the junction of Oxford Street and South Malton Street they found a 25-year-old man with a stab wound.

“He has been taken to hospital and we await an update on his condition. An investigation is underway and a crime scene remains in place. At this early stage there have been no arrests. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, providing the reference 2175/01JAN. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

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A large crime scene has been put in place with officers now undertaking a forensic examination of the area. It means that Bond Street Tube station has been closed. A witness at the scene reportedly said: “It was terrifying, people were screaming and running. The area was swarming with police and paramedics within minutes.” Police are appealing for anyone with information, mobile phone footage, or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward to help the investigation.

The attack came with thousands of people in central London for the fireworks display to welcome in the New Year. People had gathered on the banks of the River Thames as London defied concerns for the spectacular event. The celebration doubled as a 25th birthday party for the London Eye, which provided the centre point for the fireworks, with the message to “honour our history and never give up hope for our future”.

The Mayor of London’s office said around 100,000 ticketholders had attended the display, which included more than 12,000 fireworks and 420 lights. Declaring that London will “always be a city of hope and place for everyone”, the display ended with a message from Paddington Bear that “anyone can fit in” in London before a version of by Boney M.

The show was organised by the Mayor of London, Sir , who had declared it the “biggest fireworks taking place anywhere across Europe”. He said: “It’s fantastic to welcome 2025 with our biggest and best-ever New Year’s Eve celebrations. From honouring the heroes of the D-Day landings to Paddington Bear celebrating our capital’s diversity, I’m proud that we sent a message of hope and love to the , as we build a better London for everyone.”